Although he supports the basis for the College's decision, Abate said that Lowell's relatively strong House community indicates large blocking groups are not necessarily the demons they've been portrayed as.

"Our experience is that you can build community with large blocking groups," he said. "[But] I agree with the motives of what they're doing."

And in Mather House--which still holds on to a stereotype as the "jock" House--Lu said she has observed the difference that a few large, homogeneous blocking groups can have on House life.

She said it is typically difficult to motivate large groups of new House residents to leave their friends and get involved in House activities.

"If you have a smaller group, it forces you to branch out more," Lu said. "Most core friendship groups can be incorporated in a group of eight."

Still, despite what Lewis termed "informal" consultation with many students during the decision process, none of the student leaders contacted by The Crimson yesterday said the College administration had asked them for their opinions.

Both supporters and opponents of the shift said they would have appreciated a chance to weigh in on smaller blocking groups.

"I would have been happy to offer my opinion on the subject," Stewart said.