Until recently, the breeze wafting across Hewitt Quadrangle late at night brought only the faint scent of midnight oil burning in students' rooms. The concept of opening Commons to enhance students' social life and to provide additional on-campus meeting space for campus groups was first proposed by members of the Yale College Council, the undergraduate governance group. The idea has been enthusiasically supported by officials in the Yale College Dean's Office, the Council of Masters and Yale Dining Services, as well as by the Social Activities Committees in all 12 residential colleges, the Senior Class Council and the Freshman Class Council. Groups needing a place to congregate will be able to use the meeting room adjacent to Lord's Cafeteria.
Plans are also underway to bring in a frozen yogurt machine for the sweet-toothed.
Students can pay for these potables by using their Flex Dollars or Eli Bucks, or by cash or credit card. If the YCC later assesses the initiative as successful, it may continue throughout the year. Much will depend on student enthusiasm and support.