The Interest House Fair attracted about 100 people to the HUB Fishbowl last night to explore this alternative form of residence hall housing.

Judi Oleski, adviser to the Interest House Program, said "I think that it's the best showing we've ever had. Students have really worked and it's obvious by the quality of their display."

"The challenge is to get the word out about the program, but it tends to be real satisfying for those who are in it,"said Oleski, who lived in the Science, Technology and Society Interest House as an undergraduate.

"It ties in the in- and out-of-classroom activity," she said.

The Interest Houses presented displays, videotapes and pictures to give visitors a glimpse of what it is like to live with students sharing similar interests. Residents from the houses were present to answer questions and give information. Dorm contracts for those intending to live in an interest house must be submitted by Feb. 3.

Twelve interest houses exist throughout campus, six in Beaver Hall, four in North Halls and two in West Halls. Almost 700 students live in interest houses such as the Business and Society House, International Language Houses, and Earth and Mineral Sciences House. A student may be a member of an interest house but does not necessarily have to live on the floor.

Richard Lewis, president of the Interest House Council, said that while he was disappointed with the turnout at the fair, the interest houses have been making an effort to expand their programs.

"We have sent out brochures to other campuses to attract people to the program . . . we're starting to branch out to the individual colleges to get people for those interest houses," said Lewis, who is a member of three interest houses. However, most students generally learn about the program by word of mouth, he added.

The houses are unique because they all have an adviser which provides them with a direct link to the administration, he said.

"All interest houses are co-ed. This breaks down the barriers of sexism and racism," he said.