Compromise to RPS' credit

Last week, Residential Programs and Services revamped its Thanksgiving break housing policy, much to its credit.\nStudents -- particularly international and out-of-state students -- stand to benefit from this thoughtful change in policy. \nPreviously, RPS decided to close residence halls during University-wide vacation periods for safety issues. The majority of students leave campus for the break, which leaves buildings vulnerable, said Patrick Connor, the executive director of RPS. \nUnder the original policy, a limited number of spaces would have been available on campus during Thanksgiving break, but students would have to pay $60 and make their reservations by Nov. 1. \nLast year, RPS didn't inform students they would have to leave, and many students didn't know the halls would close, which left many disgusted with RPS. \nMany international students attend IU, and some simply can't go home during the holidays. In Eigenmann Hall alone, more than 200 students are from other countries. Include other residence halls that house international students, such as Foster International and even general residence halls, and that's quite a few students. \nSome of these students simply can't go home during the short break. They don't have the time or budget to fly across the world for a five day vacation. Charging them money to stay in residence halls they already paid for at the beginning of the semester just added another hardship. \nThis year, these concerned students were planning a protest against this policy, which would have taken place at the RPS administration offices Oct. 27. But before the protest could happen, RPS officials met with some students and, in an applaudable decision, changed to a more sympathetic policy. \nWith the changed agreement, students registering by Nov. 13 will be housed on campus for the break at no charge. Housing locations will be determined by the number of students who express interest in staying in Bloomington during the break. The residence halls will close at 10 a.m., Nov. 22 and re-open at 8 a.m., Nov. 26. Temporary break housing will be provided to students at no charge.\nNow, these students don't have to worry about finding a place to stay in a place that is already their home away from their home. RPS diffused a potentially volatile situation by revising its policy. It listened to students' needs and was able to devise a plan.\nKudos to RPS for a job well done.