While Penn State offers many quality student services, one area that must be considered for reform is the housing assignment office. The recent switch to an Internet registration followed by a random distribution of contracts has not been entirely successful. While online registration is convenient, the random process of awarding contracts is questionable. By the time the contracts are given in February, it is often too late for students to start looking for an apartment or roommates if they do not receive a regular room contract. The previous system of first come, first served was a fairer process.

Should Penn State not reward students who make obtaining a housing contract a priority? The current system allows students to put off an important detail of their life until the last minute. Those who apply early receive no benefit for their initiative.

The housing office also needs to make more effort to oblige the students they place into supplemental housing. Currently, students who are randomly chosen for supplemental living have no option to request a roommate or location on campus. This courtesy is offered to all who hold a regular room contract. Since Penn State is already placing these students in inferior living conditions, shouldn't every effort be made to accommodate them in other ways?

It's time for Penn State to live up to its slogan of "Making Life Better".