9:14 a.m., Feb. 13, 2009----Students living in the Ray Street complex have the opportunity to participate in a unique program called Special Interest Housing (SIH). Currently, more than 100 students participate in 15 communities, ranging from music, dance, service, education, cuisine, and the creative and performing arts.

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While living in a Special Interest Housing community, students participate in their living environment by organizing and facilitating events related to their community's interest within the complex. Community success is dependent on member leadership, initiative, and creativity.

Built specifically to house these groups in 1990, Ray Street also provides opportunities for students to learn about other communities, activities and resources on campus. "SIH provides such great opportunities to not only meet more people that share the same interests, but also opportunities to use those interests to improve life on campus and the world," said Gabriela Irving, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences and president of the Healthy Living Community.

“SIH is an awesome way to meet new people and tell others about your interests,” added Amanda Otteni, a junior in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and president of the PROUD community.

A Special Interest Housing open house will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, the Ray Street C lounge. Students are welcome to visit Ray Street and meet SIH community members and learn more about SIH. See the SIH Web site for more information.

Students interested in joining an SIH community must still sign up for housing through the Housing Assignment Services process and select Ray Street and one of its communities. Students looking to develop a new community must contact Lulu Kaliher, complex coordinator, at [lulu@udel.edu] or by phone at 831-4311, to begin this process. The deadline for housing applications is March 15.