Aaron Nicolaisen | Staff Writer

Each year, students receive individual point totals calculated to determine their eligibility to room in one of Buena Vista University’s 35 available suites. However, this year, students’ point totals will be calculated differently.

Previously, the system classified each student as being a first-year, second-year, third-year or fourth-year by associating a number for each college level. Freshmen were assigned one, sophomores two, juniors three, and seniors were classified with the number four.

The number associated with the students’ college grade was then added to his or her cumulative grade point average. This number assisted housing administrators in determining rank for eligibility into the suites.

However, according to Director of Residence Life and Housing Crystal Valencia, the system’s range was narrow and did not take into consideration those who had completed a greater number of credit hours, making it difficult to distinguish between eligible students.

In order to make the system fairer for students, Valencia said the point totals are now calculated using a wider scale which is advantageous to students and provides an incentive to maintain academic success.

Starting this year the new point system will calculate points by taking a students’ cumulative GPA times the number of completed credit hours.

“In the big picture this system will benefit students,” Valencia said.

The application deadline for suites housing has passed, and all students who either did not apply or were not accepted to live in the suites next year should plan to attend the room draw on April 24, 2016. This event will take place from 6pm-9pm in the Dows Conference Center located in the Siebens Forum.

Valencia advises students to attend the room draw with an idea of potential roommates for next year along with a plan B if students’ first choices don’t work out.

Any questions regarding BVU’s housing arrangements or the upcoming room draw can be directed to Valencia.

Photo by Stephanie Steiner