Thebenelits,processesolspecialinteresthousing

by Kevin Scott assistant copy editor

Eight years ago, Cabrini College began a program called Special Interest Housing. This permits a group of people who have common· interests (i.e. academic, cultural, spiritual) to live together in a space granted by the college under a proposed "theme," which will be the underlying basis for the group ·s existence.

One such house was granted for the 1996-97 school year-the ethnic/diversity house (House 6).

Contrary to popular belief, these living areas are not just given to whoever requests them. There is a very extensive process that occurs in mid-March based upon a variety of criteria.

According to Laura Irwin, assistant director of resident life, student interest in the program was rekindled two years ago.

The two years prior to 1995, no applications for special interest housing were submitted.

A group must submit a proposal that states a theme, goals that will be achieved, the contribution to personal growth as well as the campus community and a list of programs that the house will put on or sponsor in order to help accomplish their specific mission.

Once the group comes up with their platform, the proposal must be submitted to Irwin. It will then be reviewed by a screening committee.

In addition to this, the group must select three coordinators who will make a presentation to the selection committee explaining their goals and how they will accomplish them.

After this, the committee will make a recommendation to Robert Bonfiglio, vice president for student development, on whether or not the group's proposal is worthwhile and will benefit the college community. Bonfiglio will then make the final decision.

According to the proposal, the theme of the ethnic/diversity house is "promoting and advocating ethnic and racial harmony on the Cabrini College campus."

Two of the main goals set forth by the house include creating an environment where the campus acknowledges its ethnically diverse population and educating the campus community on various cultures.

According to the house president, junior John Mack, the house has put on a variety of programs to help achieve their goal, including a Martin Luther King Jr.