To whom this may concern

I am writing on behalf of the freshman class to express our collective concern regarding the change in the housing policy. On Wednesday, April 26th, 2025, at 3pm, the office of Student Affairs released a statement including information about the progress of the plan to build new dorms, as well as demanding students accepted within the 2024-2025 academic year to live on campus throughout their junior year, deterring from the previous agreement.

This sudden change has caused distress among the freshman class, understandably, who were already making plans to live off campus based on the original housing timeline. This change not only creates logistical problems, but also financial burdens, especially for those who have already begun exploring off-campus options to accommodate their needs. 

A critical point of concern lies within the timing and viability of the new dorm. As outlined within the university’s own communication, the new residence halls are not anticipated to be completed until the fall of 2026, and have not broken ground yet. Given the uncertainty that follows large construction companies, including unforeseen delays due to weather, staffing shortages, material delays, it is premature to enforce this policy without a guaranteed dorm in place. This puts our class in a really difficult position, as we are being asked to commit to housing that may not even be available on time, with no clear back up plan established. 

There is also a financial concern that was previously alluded to. Room and board for the academic year of 2024-2025 was roughly $18,550 per year. Students in the Class of 2028 enrolled under the impression that they were responsible for budgeting for 2 years on campus, with the understanding that moving off campus their junior year would significantly reduce their expenses. Current estimates from Apartments.com indicate that the average cost of a three-bedroom rental in Newport, RI, is approximately $2,070 per month, which would amount to roughly $6,210 per student for the academic year. This is less than half the cost of university housing, even before considering the added flexibility and autonomy off-campus living provides. 

The university recently raised tuition by an additional $2,000 for the upcoming academic year, further stressing financial complications and concerns placed on students and their families. The impact of this tuition increase, and an additional year of mandatory on-campus housing, represents a significant and unexpected financial burden.

I understand there may be valid reasons that coerced this university into making such an abrupt change, however we ask that you reconsider its immediate implementation for current students. Instituting this policy for the incoming freshman class would provide future students with clear expectations of their housing arrangements and allow current students to plan accordingly. 

I hope to foster dialogue with the administration, understand the rationale for this decision and explore other possible options, such as exemptions for financial hardship, or a phased approach. We deeply value our time on campus and the community it fosters, but we also hope the university will honor the commitments and expectations it initially set for our class.