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July 17, 2007

Housing

Organization shifts to create opportunities

Officials think the changes will create communities for university apartments.

Story by: J. Blankenship

The Shorthorn staff

Recent changes in the Housing Office and University Center mean better social opportunities, and a little bit of confusion.

While contracts, maintenance, leasing and meal plans remain intact, resident life, staffing and programs have shifted to Student Affairs.

Housing coordinator Molly Albart said she wants to make sure students understand where to go for what they need. Resident assistants, office assistants, apartment managers and residential area coordinators all shifted to Student Affairs last week, so staff and students should feel some impact.

“We are excited about these changes, and it’s a very positive change for the apartments,” Albart said.

The shift pools resources and people so the campus can provide more involved resident life programs. Those in university apartments can expect more social events within their communities, she said.

“We’ve had students who’ve lived in apartments for a few semesters and still didn’t really know their neighbors,” Albart said. “We want to change that.”

Housing area coordinator Matt Hendricks said little change is expected for the halls, although the division realignments created a closer relationship with Student Activities and EX.C.E.L. Campus Activities. Hendricks is a full-time employee, supervises five hall directors and requires close working relationships with the Housing Office for leasing and maintenance.

“We have a very good relationship with the housing operations staff,” he said.

Wylvan Parker, Housing and University Center assistant vice president, said contracts, maintenance, facilities and equipment matters will remain under his direction. Students can expect to receive leasing and renewal information from his office as usual. Most of the transactions are conducted online, so student impact should be minimal.

Albart and Mari Duncan, another apartment coordinator, are scheduled to relocate Aug. 15 to their new offices in the former Operations Conference Room on the lower level of University Center. Duncan was out of the office and unavailable for comment.

“These changes are a natural fit,” Albart said.