FAQs - Spring 2008

EcoHouse applicants are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend an Information Session to gain a full and accurate view of EcoHouse activities and requirements. An attempt will be made to have at least one current resident at each session to answer your questions. The materials below have been included in case you need reminder-resources following the session.

When are EcoHouse applications due?

--- After March 11, applications from first-year resident students ONLY will be reviewed. Go HERE for application materials.

If I'm interested in EcoHouse do I need to complete an on campus housing agreement ?

--- Yes! March 28 is the deadline to receive best consideration for housing for the 2008-2009 academic year and to participate in the Room Selection 2008 process. This includes the ability to select a space in EcoHouse.

--- Any student who misses this deadline who still wishes to submit an agreement for 2008-2009 may do so but will be placed in the 8th Housing Commitment Group (missed housing deadlines) and will be placed on the waitlist for Fall 2008 housing. There are no exceptions to the March 28 deadline. Review the Room Selection website HERE for full details and to complete your agreement.

I live in South Campus Commons/University Courtyards or my Housing Lottery Number is bad or I live off-campus; am I eligible to participate in EcoHouse?

--- Current freshmen who are living on-campus will have the best chances for admission to EcoHouse. However, There will be a few spaces each year for students who would otherwise need an Exception to Housing Policy to participate in EcoHouse. Competition for these spaces will be very competitive, so we encourage you to explore the full range of housing possibilities available to you while you are waiting to hear about your EcoHouse application.

How will assignments to the EcoHouse be made?

--- We will provide instructions to EcoHouse applicants at the time of their admission. Consult Resident Life flyers and posters for standardized dates and procedures.

--- Students will know the status of their EcoHouse application during the week following Spring Break or within a week of their application, whichever comes first.

Is EcoHouse in "New" Leonardtown or "Old" Leonardtown?

--- New Leonardtown, in Building 247, at the bottom of the U on Frat Row. Each single-sex apartment houses 6 students in two doubles and two singles.

--- Leonardtown is open during Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring Breaks; but students must move out over the summer. EcoHouse is an academic year program only.

Does living in a campus apartment cost more than living in the high rises?

--- The cost is quite similar. While the apartments themselves are a little more expensive, students usually save money because they are not required to have a Dining plan. In addition, the apartments are open 9 months each year; they do not close over the holidays the way the high rises do. For more detailed comparisons, go to: Fall 2008 Housing Outlook and "click" on "Cost Comparisons."

It seems like Leonardtown is far away from my classes.

--- Actually, it is as close to the "M" as any of the high rises on North Campus - and closer than Elkton or LaPlata! Living in EcoHouse feels like being on-campus and off-campus simultaneously - you're surrounded by upper-level students, yet close by campus. In addition, the Campus Connector - South and Evening Orange Line routes serve Leonardtown 7 am - 3:30 am daily.

I have to do an internship for my major already; does that mean I have to do another one for EcoHouse?

--- No. Students who have not already begun gaining career-related experiences will be provided support and encouragement towards that end; and may earn credit for the experience via ENSP 399I. However, an internship is not "required" as part of your EcoHouse participation.

I am already very active in an environment-oriented club on campus; will that fill my Monthly Service/Leadership Activity requirement?

--- It will, assuming that you are providing significant service to: the environment, sustainability, an environment-oriented organization, or EcoHouse.

--- For example, volunteering several hours a week with the Solar Decathlon, which is an educational organization that represents the University DOES meet the requirement; participating in a stream clean-up DOES meet the requirement; leading a day-hike and teaching participants about Leave No Trace DOES meet the requirement. However, simply "attending" an organization's monthly meetings does NOT fill the requirement.

What about the classes we are required to take; will they require a lot of time?? I am in a tough major, and I want to do EcoHouse, but I don't want to be overwhelmed.

--- The "academic" classes will be low-key and involve lots of "learning by doing"; students will have a choice of taking it Pass-Fail or for a grade, and they will know exactly what they need to do to earn an A, B, or C.

--- The "Introduction to EcoHouse" class will involve a combination of readings, speakers, field trips, and individualized activities.

What about the "regular" university classes we are supposed to take -- Will you give us suggestions?

--- Yes! And every effort will be made to provide choices that fill University requirements. We want you to learn something about the environment that your major doesn't already tell you; but we don't want to make EcoHouse "onerous." We expect that much (if not most!) of your learning will actually come outside of class, from your EcoHousemates! The current "EcoHouse Course List" is HERE.

Is EcoHouse a "green" building?

--- We wish! But no, we'll be doing the same thing most people do: Learning how to live sustainably in a building we already have. Residential Facilities is looking forward to working with us, though, and may use some of our apartments to test-run "green" materials or cleaning processes before deciding whether to use them in all residence halls.