“The past two years we’ve had a system based on traditional seniority,” Dooley said. “Seniors and juniors were given priority, but we were hearing complaints from sophomores saying that there wasn’t much for them. So after getting a lot of student feedback, we finally ended up having a totally random system that would benefit everyone.”

According to Dooley, as soon as the university has a student’s $200 deposit, that student will be given an apartment sign-up time available for viewing on Web Window.

The change will only affect university-owned apartment buildings and current residents will have the option of staying in their current apartments, according to Dooley.

“We’ve had about 1,100 deposits made, both current and new apartment residents,” Dooley said. “So it’s a nice option for those students who really like the apartments they’re living in now to keep them for next year.”

So far the office has received positive feedback on the new system from students, which is “unusual,” according to Dooley. She said she hopes students will continue to voice their opinion on the process and that it will continue to be effective for a few years.

Sophomore Christina Robinson said she’s happy with the change.

“I got 9:30 a.m. on the first day for sign-up so I’m excited,” Robinson said. “I guess the only thing I’m worried about is lots of people staying in their current apartments and me and my friends not getting into the apartment that we want.”

With Marquette’s enrollment increasing every year, the demand for university apartments is growing, according to Dooley.

“With the new addition to Campus Town being completed August 2004, it gives students more housing options — especially for those who want to live near their friends but want their own bedroom,” Dooley said.

The completion date for the new Campus Town addition — which is still pending a name — is “non-negotiable,” and students can sign up for housing there this year, Dooley said.

“Positive development had been consistent in the neighborhood,” Dooley said. “Realtors are renovating what’s already there and new apartment complexes are emerging so students don’t have to worry about going homeless.”,”Rikida N. Starace”

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