RPS offers online room picks again

For the second year, Residential Programs and Services is offering the 9,458 students living in residence halls and on-campus housing the option of renewing a lease through its online contract program.\nThrough the program, students can renew their housing contracts with RPS online, choosing their preferred housing arrangements, meal plans and the number of months the contract will last, said Sara Ivey-Lucas, assistant director of assignments. Contracts run the length of either the 10 month academic year or a full year.\n“It’s a good thing compared to past practices,” said Bob Weith, director for residential operations. “It’s very accessible and a lot less paperwork.” \nLast year, RPS had 2,000 people sign up to return by using the new system, and so far this year, 1,750 have renewed their contracts, Ivey Lucas said.\n“We have a pretty good return rate,” she said. “We have had a lot of positive feedback from students because they are able to go in, select their own room and really see how the process works.”\nBut students should be aware of the deadlines, Ivey Lucas said. She encourages students to get some kind of active housing contract because even if it is not their most preferred space, they will still be given priority when other spaces become available.\nIf students decide at the last minute they would like to renew their contract and don’t have an active housing contract on file with RPS, they will have to reapply and wait to hear about their housing arrangements until the summer, along with new and transfer students. \nHowever, a student who changes his or her mind last-minute can do so without consequences.\n“They can cancel their contract by June 1 without a financial penalty,” said Ivey Lucas. \nJunior Erin Arthur said she was really glad RPS offered this service to students.\n“I already renewed my contract with the dorms with their online system and it was easy and super convenient,” she said. “I’m really glad they have this.” \nOther universities have also opted to use a system similar to the one IU is now using. Purdue and Ball State universities have both had success with their online system registering new and returning students back to campus housing. \n“Overall this has been very positive,” said Ivey Lucas.