In February, the University Board of Regents voted 6-2 to increase next year's room-and-board rates by 4 percent. At the same time, they asked Vice President of Student Affairs Maureen Hartford for a detailed report of where the surplus residence hall dollars will go. At Thursday's regents meeting, Hartford delivered the first of three presentations addressing University housing issues. In it, she reviewed many of the problems facing the University's residence hall system but failed to state a definitive plan of action to help resolve the problems. Students deserve to get more bang for their room-and-board buck - a comprehensive plan for improving the residence halls is necessary to ensure that students live in an environment that is conducive to academic and social growth.
Hartford stated that "we are falling a little behind" in the residence hall area. Her report covered many possible solutions, but failed to give a clear demonstration of how the University Housing Division ensures that residence halls are as efficient as possible or how it plans to deal with overcrowding. With room-and-board rates increasing every year, the housing office's lack of focus is disconcerting. The University should develop a comprehensive plan to ensure that room-and-board fees go to help students the most.
Residence halls play a significant role in students' academic development. They are more than just a place to sleep - they should foster an environment that promotes learning. With a lack of hall space placing three students into a room designed for two, overcrowding could hinder students' academic success.
Hartford said the University contacted other schools to seek possible solutions to overcrowding problems. External advice is beneficial, but the University must do more than discuss. The University should take action to decrease residence hall overcrowding and provide an environment more in line with educational goals.
In the past several years, room-and-board rates increased by leaps and bounds. Since 1991, the rate for a double room increased by 20 percent. While students should expect some increase, the University should work to prevent rate hikes from exceeding inflation. It should search for creative ways to reduce costs and increase the quality of residence hall life. The regents' demand for more information regarding the residence hall budget shows that they do not want to blindly tack on an increased percentage every year. They should ensure that the housing division does everything possible to keep costs at a manageable level.
Students often feel they get a raw deal when they pay their residence hall room and board fees. The University should give students more for what they pay. Hartford should work with the housing division to make sure that housing operations work as efficiently as possible.
In addition, the housing division should develop a comprehensive plan to solve residence hall problems. Increasing student fees every year does not solve the inherent problems of the residence hall systems - the University must find creative solutions to improve conditions in the residence halls and make living space conducive to learning.