In October, PAW posted at PAW Online a detailed description of how an alternative selection process for the clubs might work. The proposal, based on the computerized match program used to place medical students in residency programs, was developed by the University’s eating club task force. We invited alumni to respond; following are some of the comments that were received online and by letter. Additional letters on this topic were published in the Sept. 22 issue.
The task force totally forgot about co-ops, which I assume still exist and which have a limited number of spaces due to kitchen size, etc. Someone might have a first choice of a co-op and a second choice of an eating club. Or someone might have a first choice of Spelman and a second choice of a co-op and a third choice of an eating club. I think co-ops and Spelman must be included. Don’t forget — just because they are awesome doesn’t mean they don’t have limited space as well. Also, I don’t see groups included here — some people want to make joint decisions and all go to the same place as their best friends. For example: If A and B both bicker the fictional “Geranium” club and B gets in and A doesn’t, but B wants to club with A, then both of them might want to join Colonial instead.