Community housing a possibility this fall

January 28, 2008 —

Student organizations may still have a chance to have community living accommodations for fall 2008.

Though the idea for group living centers was originally considered too expcnsive and the idea briefly dismissed, the new housing construction plan has been modified to include the community living.

"We are really excited about this option and think that this will take the University to a whole new level," said Director of Residential Life Merry Jo Brandimore.

The RSO residences are being dubbed the Affinity Residences; however, they will officially be just a continuation of the existing Pine Grove.

Brandimore says that out of the 164 new beds being constructed, 144 are being reserved for RSOs. As well, there will be a new 1500 sq. ft. community center built.

Brandimore encourages all students and their respective organizations to consider the new housing option and stop in to the Student Life Center office to look at the new plans and ask any questions.

If an RSO would like to be considered for housing, they need to fill out an application that can be obtained from the Student Life Center as soon as possible.

Once all applications have been submitted and approved, Student Life will have to send in a Request for Proposal to actually finalize the project.

As well, the housing department has moved their calendar three weeks ahead to accommodate the possible plan for new housing and applicants.

Excited as she is about the project, Brandimore expressed one concern.

"We are trying to avoid having people join an organization long enough to get into campus housing," explained Brandimore. "It is common for housing to fill up right away and, unfortunately, some students have to be rejected. We don't want people taking advantage of this new opportunity."

Brandimore has an optimisitc outlook for the affinity residences and thinks that they will be successful.

"With student effort and this possibility of this being such a positive dynamic, we may just have to designate more housing," said Brandimore.