Dear Brandeis Students,

I am writing today to share an update with you about the current status of the housing selection process, and invite you to engage in upcoming office hours. I understand that housing selection can be fraught under the best of circumstances, particularly at campuses that can not guarantee housing to all undergraduates. Below, I am aiming to provide accurate information to support students no matter their housing status, and mitigate the impact of misinformation that has increased student anxiety.

Factors in this year’s process: Although the room selection process was not changed this semester, the variables that impact it, including the number and percentage of students who wish to live on campus, the number of students needing accommodations, and the local housing market, have. These factors, for example, led to a very short housing selection window earlier this week.

Housing for students with accommodations: I know there has been a great deal of concern about the outcome of room selection for students with accommodations this year. I want to assure you: Students who applied for housing on time, and received housing accommodations from Student Accessibility Support have been offered an appropriate space, including rising juniors/seniors. Students with accommodations are notified directly with personal emails and/or phone calls so that if there are any misunderstandings about their needs, they can be addressed prior to their receiving a room assignment. At no time did a student lose their accommodation(s) or have their accommodation(s) denied by Community Living.

Continuation of the room selection process: Community Living will continue working to offer students assignments in the coming weeks and months as spaces become available. The approximately 230 students on the Pending Assignments list can expect updates and outreach from Community Living over the summer.

Modification to cancellation fee structure: Please note, for Fall 2023, there will be no charge for withdrawing from the housing selection process for anyone who does not have a room assignment.

Financial Aid: Students considering living off campus have expressed concerns about the application of financial aid. SFS has prepared an estimate of the difference in cost if a student lives off campus or commutes from home; please note that financial aid will vary with these costs. Because each student's circumstances are different, if you receive financial aid, and are considering living in an off-campus apartment or commuting from home, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor to discuss your personal financial aid situation as it applies to these housing options. Student Affairs and our campus partners are here to support you as you navigate your next steps.

Questions? Join us for office hours: Students with outstanding questions or concerns are invited to open office hours with Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Dine, Vice Provost Kim Godsoe, and Assistant Vice President of Student Financial Services, Sherri Avery this Friday, April 28 from 2-4 p.m. and Tuesday, May 2 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Student Affairs suite, room 106 in Gryzmish.

Sincerely,

Andrea Dine

Vice President of Student Affairs