Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Brian Roewe

The Rockhurst housing crunch of the previous years appears to be over. In the past, students eagerly questioned the University's ability to provide an adequate amount of diverse living spaces. But with the continued additions in the On Campus House community, Residence Life seems to be taking a positive direction to meet student's needs.

Sean Grube, Director of Res Life, wants to keep on-campus living a focus for most students. "Statistics have shown students who live on campus are more focused on academics and activities," Grube says. "They have a higher quality of life, better GPAs, and are more likely to graduate on time." In an effort to encourage students-especially upper classmen-to remain on campus, Rockhurst is taking a stronger approach to provide additional residential options.

What about those options? For the 2007-2008 year, Rockhurst Residence Life offers 933 living spaces. With 804 spaces currently occupied, Grube sees a trend away from the residential halls towards the Town House Village and OCH communities. With 94 students living in OCH units and 206 living in THV, most of the free space is in Xavier-Loyola and Corcoran. "THV and OCH have less than five spaces unoccupied," remarked Grube. "I think students want independence quicker; it's what they expect when coming to college."

There is a striking difference between a dorm, townhouse and house. "I like living in a residential hall because of the close community," says Dan Winkler, a freshman living in Corcoran.

"I met my friends here. We keep our door open and so do they. "

For freshman Tim Earl, finding housing for next year has been a challenge.

"The decision between XL and finding a group for THV has been a headache. No curfews is appealing, but living with six people in two bedrooms could cause problems."

Over the past two years, Res Life has offered more spaces to younger students in THV. Currently, the 100 and 200 sections in THV are offered as four person, two bedroom spaces, geared towards juniors and seniors. The 300 and 400 sections are offered as six person, two bedroom spaces geared towards sophomores. In the OCH community, Res Life will add one or two houses. Currently, 23 houses are available, something Grube sees as an exciting addition to the campus and community. "We are selective about the houses we choose; we invest a lot of money in them. Next year, we are adding the Best Lock system to all THV units, making that area more secure. In the OCH communities we are constantly evaluating all doors, windows and outside lights."

As for price changes next year, Grube anticipates an increase between 6-8%, although nothing is official.

"We are less than what you would pay at UMKC, SLU or Creighton; we have to keep in mind increased maintenance fees and future planning."

He advises all to plan carefully for THV and OCH units, noting that you will forfeit your housing deposit and be charged a $300 fine if the housing contract is broken. What's in store for the future of Res Life? A new dorm? Additional houses? "We will do what's necessary to meet students' needs," says Emily Kempf, Area and Diversity Coordinator.

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