At the start of this new semester, LFA announced a series of residential changes that altered the boarding experience for our students. One of the significant changes is the drop-off location for food deliveries. New residential rules forbid students to order food deliveries to their dorms directly due to safety issues. Emily Kalis, Director of Residential Life, said “ We wanted to limit the amount of people coming up close to our dorms specifically.” She also added the fact of how deliveries were being left at random places, and delivery drivers were driving around the campus to find the right dorms, causing safety concerns. Due to these reasons, the Crown Center for Athletics, and the circle that connects Korhumel and Corbin will be the only eligible drop-off locations for food deliveries. A big stop sign has been installed in Crown, making it easier for drivers to find their way.
These changes have brought up conflicting opinions among the boarding students regarding the convenience of these new rules. Grace Inouye ‘26 said,“It does bother me to go all the way to Crown to get my food, but thinking about it in terms of security, it is a valid response to make new rules like this.” Most students have accepted the new procedure due to the valid reason behind it.
In an additional change to residential life, mandatory study halls for freshmen were introduced. Freshmen now have to study in the Student Union during study hours two nights a week. Kalis said,“based on consistent patterns that we have seen…we have seen struggles of organization, study habits, and how to effectively use their time especially during their first year.” She added that it is structured every other night, in order to slowly integrate study habits into their dorm life.
Students have mixed opinions about mandatory studies. Aaron Kim’27 said, “ I think mandatory study halls make an environment for us to focus more effectively… I do my work more efficiently in stu than studying in my room.” Also, he added, “ As Stem Help takes place during study hours, I can go ask questions which helps.” Freshman study halls have a rotating schedule according to the dorms they are in, making sure that it isn’t too crowded and letting upperclassmen and structured study’s take place accordingly.
Furthermore, Sunday nights study halls have been replaced into “quiet hours” allowing students to get ready for the week. Students should check-in by 8pm. However, quiet hours do not require structured study’s and open-door rooms. Almira Tepe’25 said “ It’s nice that it gives students freedom to reset themselves before school days start. I see students usually finishing their work during the weekends, so Sunday study hours were not necessary for a lot of them.” Also, dorm cups are taking place during quiet hours in order to reduce disruption students during their study hours on weekdays.
