An online tool can help students transfer unwanted dorm contracts for next year to students who want to live on campus but did not receive contracts.

"Now is the time to go on our Web site and submit your name to the waitlist," said Kathy Krinks, assignment office for campus residences manager.

The waiting list can be accessed online at www.hfs.psu.edu/ContractRequest/Waitlist.htm.

A student looking to transfer his or her contract can contact any student of the same gender on the list. Also, Housing and Food Services will use the waitlist if housing space becomes available.

The waitlist, which will be available through the beginning of the Fall Semester, requires no obligation. Students can remove their names from the list if they wish to do so.

Krinks said the waiting list smoothes the contract transfer of obligation process, which links students who already accepted housing contracts and want to get rid of them with people who are in search of contracts. It also helps prevent students from making money by selling their contracts.

Even students who did not undergo the housing request procedure last semester or have lived off campus and are interested in living on campus can be considered for dorm contracts for the 2002 to 2003 school year.

The list has been open to these students since the beginning of this month. The list opened in the beginning of January to students who requested contracts and did not receive them.

Laura Vinocur (sophomore-psychology) did not apply for housing for the 2001 to 2002 school year, and she lived off campus last semester. She now is back on campus, because she submitted her name to the waiting list.

"I really like it here. It's more comfortable, and living out of campus has more responsibilities," Vinocur said.

Waitlisted students who are offered a contract will receive a supplemental contract, meaning that they will be assigned to study lounges until permanent space becomes available.

Ebony Smalls (sophomore-psychology) was not pleased with the idea of living in supplemental housing, which she was offered for next year.

"As an out-of-state student and a minority, I find it to be amazing how we are not guaranteed housing after our first year," she said.

Three to 10 residents share temporary housing rooms, determined by the square footage of the room. The rooms are equipped with beds, desks and drawer space for each resident, Krinks said. The study lounges are also furnished with one micro-fridge per three people, and one phone line per five people.

"The immediate reaction is outrage, yet it is interesting to see how many students won't move after regular housing is offered," Krinks said of the reactions students have to being assigned to temporary housing.

A team of students, Office of Residence Life members and housing staff continue to meet regularly to come up with ideas to facilitate the housing assignment process.

"I hope students are aware that it continues to be an ongoing working process to try and keep as many students as we can in housing. Our goal really is making it better for them," Krinks said.