Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
Transcript of Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
1
PAST:
History of Student Housing at UDC
The history of student Housing at the University of the District of Columbia began in the early
2000’s for student athletes. Student athletes were housed in apartment complexes in the
District of Columbia, Bethesda, Maryland, and beginning in 2008 upon the arrival of the current
Athletics Director, at the Enclave in in White Oaks, Maryland until 2010
when the program was moved back to DC at one of its current locations,
3003 Van Ness.
During those beginning years the University covered one hundred
percent of housing for student athletes. During the 2-year period at the
Enclave in White Oaks, Maryland, student athletes stayed in the
apartments during the academic year (August – May). However, as the
lease was for 12-months, during the summer (June and July) the apartments remained empty
with no summer revenue coming in.
Move back to DC
In 2010 the university moved its growing Housing program to the Archstone Van Ness
apartments, conveniently located across the street from the flagship campus. The university was
approached by Archstone Properties about the possibility of a relationship for housing UDC
students and explained a model they used with another university where they allowed them to
build walls in their larger one bedroom apartments turning them into two bedrooms. At this
time the university had two main reasons for accepting this proposition: One, it brought District
money back into the District (there was a concern about using District monies to pay for student
housing outside of the District). Secondly, it opened an opportunity for all university students
interested in campus housing to participate in the program, breaking away from athlete only
housing.
In June of 2010, the university signed an agreement with Archstone Properties. This agreement
allowed for the university to rent 22 one bedroom and 4 efficiency apartments at the following
conditions:
The university could build walls (rooms had to have ventilation and a door) turning the
one bedroom apartment into a two bedroom apartment.
The university would be responsible for removing built walls at end of UDC final lease
with property.
The university could house up to 4 students in each apartment as long as the university
adhered to DCRA Housing Code which stipulates the following: The DCRA Housing Code for
space usage: Space: At least 70 square feet is required for each room used for sleeping by one tenant over
1 year old. For rooms used by 2 or more tenants for sleeping, there must be at least 50 square feet for
each tenant. Under the DC Human Rights Act (not the Housing Code), it may be considered unlawful
discrimination if a landlord tries to evict a family with children in order to limit the number of tenants
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
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living in the apartment: For purposes of the Human Rights Act, in general up to 2 persons are allowed in
an efficiency, 3 persons in a one bedroom, 5 persons in a two bedroom, and 7 persons in a three bedroom.
During the 2010 negotiations it was agreed that UDC would pay the following prices for the
units:
1 bedroom apartment -- $2050 per month
Efficiency -- $1775 per month
Apartment Number of Units
Monthly price for all units
12 month lease
price for all units
1 Bedroom 22 $45,100 $541,200 Efficiency 4 $7,100 $85,200 Total 26 $52,200 $626,400
Also included in the lease agreement were 4 staff parking spaces and use of the social room for
quarterly meetings at no cost.
As the program was taking shape, it was decided by all invested parties that cable and wifi would
be included in the student housing package presented to students, as well as a fully furnished
apartment. Furniture was rented from Brook Furniture and cable/internet were procured
through RCN.
Service *Monthly cost for all units
*Annual cost for all units
Brook Furniture Rental
$6,750 $81,000
RCN $1,690 $20,280 Total $8,210 $101,280 *Numbers not 100% accurate. Based on 2012 documents from previous Director of Residence Life
Housing Start Up Monthly Cost **Annual Cost
1 bedroom rent for 22 units $45,100 $541,200 Efficiency rent for 4 units $7,100 $85,200 RCN for 26 units $1,690 $20,280 Brook Furniture rental for 26 units
$6,750 $81,000
Total 60,640 $727,680 **Not included in charts are additional base startup costs, costs of building of walls in apartments,
insurance costs, down payments, turnover costs, misc.**
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Projected Revenue from
Rentals
Estimated Numbers
Price per student
Total Projected Revenue
22 Apartments at 4 people per unit
88 Students $4200 per semester (2)
$739,200
Deposits 88 Students $75 per semester (2)
13,200
Total 752,400
Archstone Van Ness 2010-2013
During the years of 2010-2013, due to an increased interest in student housing the university
procured additional units at Archstone Van Ness. The final number of units procured by the
university was 31, this number included: 27, 1-bedroom student apartments, 3 efficiency
apartments, and 1, 2-bedroom apartment for the new Director of Residence Life.
As the years progressed and UDCs presence at Archstone Van Ness became more “permanent”
tensions began to rise between the building association and the UDC residents. Archstone Van
Ness was primarily a residence for families, elderly, and diplomats. Per the June 27, 2011 Order
of Zoning Commission of The District of Columbia; in addition to many conditions, the
university was ordered to not exceed it’s 31 apartments at Archstone Van Ness. The university
could however house students in other apartments within the Van Ness community.
Consulate at Avalon Bay
As the popularity of student housing grew there was a need for additional housing. Because the
Zoning Order prohibited expansion at Archstone Van Ness, the university began looking into
other options. There were several ideas and properties presented to the invested parties,
including purchasing an old monastery and renting at apartments further from campus. After
thought and consideration, it was decided that the Consulate at Avalon Bay, an apartment
complex directly across from 3003 Van Ness would be the best option.
At the Consulate at Avalon Bay the university procured 10
apartments that included, 8, 2-bedroom/2-bath for students
and 2, 1-bedroom/1 bathroom apartments for staff. It was
decided and written in the 2013 Housing Fiscal Impact
Statement that housing 5 students in these apartments
would cover the cost of the apartments and utilities
(Consulate did not have all included utilities as Archstone
Van Ness did).
Lease conditions included the following:
Initial one-year lease term with four consecutive option years.
Ten units – 2 staff one bedroom units and 8 student 2 bedroom units.
Fixed base rental rate for each two-bedroom unit at $2,975 per month.
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After year one, base rent will escalate at 2% per lease year with each option year so
exercised.
Base rental rates exclude all utilities, cable/internet and furniture rental costs
The total base cost for the first year lease is $357,000.
A security deposit advance payment in the amount of $60,100.
Detailed projected numbers can be found on the 2013 FIS for Consulate at Avalon Bay. A brief
description of costs versus revenue is as follows:
*Annual Projected Cost Annual Amount 10 Apartments $330,600 Furniture Rental $36,000 Utilities, Cable/Internet/Fees/Insurance
$41,400
Total $408,000 *Not included in projected costs is the $60,100 security deposit.
**Annual Projected Revenue
Rate Counts Amount
Student Housing $8400 40 $336,000 Housing Deposits
$150 40 $6,000
Summer Programs
$68,000
Total Revenue $410,000 **All numbers, including summer revenue were projected.
Student Housing Challenges and Costs: 2013-2015
Many changes took place during the 2013-2015 academic years. Housing had grown from 88
students in one apartment complex to 148 students in 2. The staff grew from one Director of
Residence Life, one Coordinator of Residence Life, and two Resident Advisors to one Director,
no Coordinator (the Coordinator position was lost during the rightsizing), and 5 Resident
Advisors (per the Zoning Order). In its five years of operation, the department also saw three (3)
Directors of Residence Life.
Since its inception in 2010 at Archstone Van Ness, the Residence Life program and its students
have faced many challenges with the building association. Though efforts were made to ensure
the residential students understood and adhered to all building, residence life, and university
policies, the building association had made it very clear that they did not want UDC students
residing in “their” building.
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
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In addition to the building association wanting UDC out of Archstone Van Ness and the quality
of life for the students under these conditions, the total cost of the program was showing that the
actual numbers were not matching the projected numbers in the original FIS. The numbers for
2013-2015 broke down as follows:
FY2013
FY2014
FY2015
Actual Actual Actual
Revenues
Apartment Rental - Archstone
798,000
852,600
873,600
Apartment Rental - Consulate
268,800
294,000
319,200
Summer Rental Revenue
80,000
199,183
209,865
Deposit Revenues
19,500
25,800
22,200
Total Revenues
1,166,300
1,371,583
1,424,865
Expenditures & Lease Agreements
Salary & Wages
142,000
137,894
138,700
Staff Benefits
23,044
23,044
23,044
Total Compensation
$165,044
$160,938
$161,744
Utilities
54,800
54,715
55,000
Repairs & Turnover
10,000
50,879
46,580
Furniture Rental/Buy out
126,000
101,008
56,347
Programming
-
3,167
5,000
Total Expenditures
190,800
209,769
162,927
Lease Agreement - Archstone
913,807
914,532
886,176
Lease Agreement - Consulate
340,600
331,421
337,200
Total Lease Expenditure
$1,254,407
$1,245,953
$1,223,376
Total Expenditures
$1,610,251
$1,616,660
$1,548,047
Net Operating Profit/(Loss)
$443,391
$245,077
$123,182
Apartment Bed Occupancy
130
132
142
Apartment Bed Capacity
146
146
148
Percent of Capacity 89% 90% 96%
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Housing 2014 - 2015 Year in Review
Fall 2014
- Started the fall semester with 148 students (100% occupancy)
- Waitlist of 49 students
- Resident Advisors had 50 programs
o 10 Community Meetings
o 10 Academic
o 10 Personal/Education
o 20 Social
- Lost 12 students by December for various reasons including:
o Purged for non-payment
o Suspended
o Graduation
o Lost Scholarships
o Left University
*Students who were suspended were still responsible for their housing payments.
Students who were financially purged were responsible for their costs up until they day
they moved out.
Fall 2014 GPA (Cumulative)
Housing Students (not including grad/law) Non-Residential
2.770 2.752
Housing Students (including law/grad)
2.804 2.752
Spring 2015
- Started the spring semester with 146 students (99% occupancy)
o Waitlisted student list had diminished due to various reasons, mostly because
student decided not to attend UDC or had found housing for the academic year.
- Resident Advisors had 50 programs
o 10 Community Meetings
o 10 Academic
o 10 Personal/Education
o 20 Social
o Director of Residence Life held Housing “Town Hall Meeting”
- Lost 4 students who were all suspended
Spring 2015 GPA (Cumulative)
Housing Students (not including grad/law) Non-Residential Students
2.851 2.759
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Housing Students (including law/grad)
2.950 2.759
GPAs of students residing in student housing have shown a steady increase every semester and
are higher than those UDC students who do not reside in student housing.
There are of course varying factors as to why students who reside in campus housing have
higher GPAs than non-residential students. However, the programs provided by Residence Life
staff, proximity to campus and campus resources, and 24 hour support from Residence Life staff
does play a significant part in student success academically and their overall university
experience.
Cumulative GPAs of Housing Students from fall 2013 – spring 2015
Data provided by Office of Institutional Research, Assessment & Planning
Data does NOT include graduate and law students residing in student housing
Term
CGPA
Housing
(Residential) Non-Residential All Students
Fall 2013 2.706 2.759 2.758
Fall 2014 2.770 2.752 2.752
Spring 2014 2.777 2.773 2.773
Spring 2015 2.851 2.759 2.762
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PRESENT:
FY 2016
Today Residence Life has started its sixth year housing student athletes and non-student
athletes. The Archstone Van Ness apartment complex was purchased by EQUITY and has since
changed its name to “3003 Van Ness. The Consulate at Avalon Bay has also gone through a
name change as well, though are still owned by the same company. They are currently named
AVA Van Ness.
Neighbor relations have gone up and down throughout the past year. Though staff presence and
interactions have increased and students overall behavior have been generally good, the building
association has not ceased in their attempt to get UDC students out of 3003 Van Ness. During
the summer of 2015, Residence Life had to put a halt to their summer intern program due to the
building association’s claims that UDC was violating the 2011 Zoning Order by renting units to
non UDC students. No resolutions have been made by the Zoning Commission; however the
advice from the University General Counsel has been that all plans for future housing (rentals)
in Zone three should not include projected revenue from summer rentals.
Estimate numbers for the 2016 academic year are as follows:
FY2016
FY2016
Estimate Estimate
Revenues
Apartment Rental - Archstone
890,400
890,400
Apartment Rental - Consulate
319,200
319,200
Summer Rental Revenue
W/O
210,000
Deposit Revenues
22,200
22,200
Total Revenues
1,231,800
1,441,800
Expenditures & Lease Agreements
Salary & Wages
138,700
138,700
Staff Benefits
23,044
23,044
Total Compensation
161,744
161,744
Utilities
55,000
55,000
Repairs & Turnover
45,000
45,000
Furniture Replacement
10,000
10,000
Programming
5,000
5,000
Total Expenditures
115,000
115,000
Lease Agreement - Archstone
907,830
907,830
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Lease Agreement - Consulate
343,944
343,944
Total Lease Expenditure
1,251,774
1,251,774
Total Expenditures
1,528,518
1,528,518
Net Operating Profit/(Loss)
$296,718
86,718
Apartment Bed Occupancy
146
146
Apartment Bed Capacity
148
148
Percent of Capacity 99% 99%
Student Satisfaction and Housing Need
During Residence Life Opening, students were surveyed and asked the following questions:
Why did you choose UDC?
Why did you choose to live in student housing?
If UDC did not have student housing would you be able to attend the university?
What is the best part about living in UDC student housing?
The overall consensus from the students surveyed was that they chose UDC because it was a
small school in the district and an HBCU. They chose to live in campus housing because it was
convenient located across from campus and cheaper than finding somewhere in the city to live.
The best part of living in UDC student housing for most surveyed was the proximity to campus
and the programs the Res. Life staff put on. And if there was no student housing at UDC, most
surveyed responded that they probably would not have attended UDC.
**A video of student interviews has been provided with this report**
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FUTURE:
The University of the District of Columbia has started a new chapter with the start of its new
President and his new cabinet. With the re-vamping of Vision 2020, the university is looking at
many areas, including Residence Life, and there are many questions:
Fundamentally, does the university need housing?
Where does Housing fit in Vision 2020?
What does housing look like at UDC?
Will housing continue in its current location?
Will housing move to a new location?
Will the university invest in building housing on campus?
If the university does build, do we continue to house students and rent?
Do we go up on housing fees to meet current housing costs?
How much would that be and what impact will it have on students?
What options do we have that meet the students’ needs for low cost housing but does not
cost the university additional monies?
Does the university cut the Housing program?
What does cutting the Housing program look like for Athletics and their recruiting of
student athletes statewide and internationally?
Where would student athletes be housed if there were no Housing program?
How many first-time in college students would the university lose?
How many returning students would the university lose?
What exactly is the benefit of Student Housing anyway???
Why Student Housing Matters
There are hundreds of Student Affairs and Student Housing articles written over the years that
attest to the importance of “living on” campus. This research has shown that not only do
students who live on campus have higher GPAs and graduation rates; they have an overall more
well rounded, holistic, college experience. Student housing plays a huge role in a students
transition into college life, “the typical full-time residential undergraduate spends approximately
15 hours per week in a classroom. The remaining 153 hours of the week in one form or another
constitute residential life (and undergraduates do not sleep a lot)” (Levine, 1994, p. 94). For our
residential student athletes here at UDC, 15-20 of those leftover 153 hours is spent in practice or
at games; that still however leaves 138-133 hours left in their student apartments, participating
in activities, studying, socializing, and being a part of Residence Life. This is why programming
is extremely important and why the Residence Life staff provides so many programs, activities,
and events.
According to Levine, “the principle teachers of students are students” (1994, p. 101). Students
living in campus housing instinctively obtain an all-encompassing orientation about college and
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the universities expectations of them and about steering through the college experience from
their peers (Levine, 1994). Students living in our student apartment at UDC have a common
goal, to obtain a degree. With peer engagement and 24 hour Residence Life staff available to
assist, encourage, and support, students residing in student housing are more likely to return to
UDC the next academic year, thereby supporting institutional retention. And are more likely to
complete their course work in 4-5 years and graduating. Community College students residing
in student housing are more likely to transition to the flagship or graduate with their associate’s
degree and seek full time employment.
Demographics and trends in Residence Life are changing. Residence Hall Capacity as defined by The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is “the maximum number of students that the institution can provide residential facilities for, whether on or off campus” (Residence Hall Capacity, 2004). Data has found that if all postsecondary institutions of higher education in the United States that have living units (on or off campus) filled to capacity, there would be approximately 2.6 million college students (undergraduate and graduate) living in residence halls (Residence Hall Capacity, 2004). Residence Hall Capacity in postsecondary institutions in the United States
Number of Institutions
Total dormitory capacity (sum)
Estimates
Total: 2,129 2,598,006
Control of Institution
Public 755
1,414,965
Private not-for-profit 1,278
1,161,653 Private for-profit 96 20,388
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2004 (Residence Hall Capacity, 2004) During the past 30 years between 70 to 80 percent of entering first year/freshman students at four-year institutions both male and female, have consistently indicated that they planned to live in college dormitories or other on-campus student housing (Astin, Osequera, Sax, Korn, 2002). At both private universities and private black universities, over 90% of incoming freshman indicated plans to live on campus (Pryor, Hurtado, Saenz, Lindholm, Korn, Mahoney, 2005). The 2014 Cooperative Institutional Research Program: The American Freshman National Norms report for Fall 2014 indicated that 75.8% of incoming college freshman/first year students indicated that they planned to live college residence halls. At HBCUs specifically, for “All HBCU”, 86.9% indicated that they would be staying in residence halls and for public HBCUs 89.1% indicated they would be staying in residence halls.
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Source: Cooperative Institutional Research Program: The American Freshman National Norms Fall 2014 For the fall 2015 there are roughly 200 first-time-in college students enrolled at UDC. Of that 200, 44 are living in student housing, that’s 22% of the incoming class. Though not a large number, almost 25% of the freshman class lives in student housing. If there were no student housing, would the university have retained or even attracted that 25%? Detailed demographics of the fall 2015 Housing roster are as follows: Fall 2015 UDC Housing Students’ Demographics
Student Population
Students: 141
Student Staff: 5
Total: 146
Gender:
Female: 76 (including 3 female staff members)
Male: 70 (including 2 male staff members)
New/Returning Students:
Returning: 71 (including 5 student staff)
New: 75
Residency:
DMV/In-District: 61
2014CIRPFreshmanSurveyWeightedNaationalNorms-AllRespondants
AllBacc
Institutions
Baccalaureate
Institutions 4-yearColleges Universities
BlackCollegesand
Universities4-yearCollUniversity PublicPrivate PublicPrivate AllHBCUPublicPrivate
Wheredoyouplantoliveduringthefallterm?
Withmyfamilyorotherrelatives 18.6 24.3 12.6 34 11.1 13.39.7 7.85.9 11.3
Otherprivatehome,apartment,orroom 2.1 1.9 2.3 2.8 0.8 2.60.9 2.52.6 2.3Collegeresidencehall 75.8 70 82.1 58 86.4 80.687.9 86.989.1 82.8
Fraternityorsororityhouse 0.6 0.2 1.1 0.1 0.4 1.30.0 0.10.1 0.1
Othercampusstudenthousing 2.5 3.2 1.8 4.7 1.1 2.01.4 2.32.0 2.8Other 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.20.2 0.50.4 0.6
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Out of State: 54
International: 31
Class:
Freshman/*FTIC: 44 (including 10 at community college)
Sophomore: 29 (including 3 at community college)
Junior: 23
Senior: 28
Graduate: 3 (including one student staff member)
Law School: 8 (including 3 student staff members)
Transfer: 11
Top 10 Reasons Students Choose Student Housing 1 Campus Connection: Students feel connected to campus and feel like they “belong” 2 Total College Experience: Living in campus housing is essential to the overall college
experience 3 Builds Community: Students make life long friends 4 Convenience: No fighting traffic, no Metro fares, steps away from class and events 5 Better Grades: The library is close, tutoring is close, and students are more likely to go to
office hours as campus is across the street 6 Money Savings: Living in DC is EXPENSIVE 7 Supportive Staff: Resident Advisors and the Director of Residence Life live on site and are
available 24 hours a day 8 Student Involvement: Students residing in campus housing are some of the most involved
students on campus 9 Smooth Transition: Living on campus, and getting plugged into activities, makes it easier
for students to transition from one grade level to the next 10 Fun: Staying in campus housing, going to programs/events, meeting people is fun
Where Do We Go From Here? The current administration has a very huge decision to make; do they keep housing here at UDC? If so, what does that look like? If not, what impact will that have on the overall university and student success driven programs the administration is in the midst of creating? Those questions and decisions can only be made by that group of individuals, however, to assist in the decision making process, options have been pulled together and laid out for review, thought, consideration, conversation, and hopefully, a catalyst to final decisions on the future of Student Housing and Residence Life here at UDC.
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Recommendation 1: Building on Campus On campus housing offers a multitude of advantages. With a student body that ranges from traditional college age students, to non-traditional and law students, building campus housing from the ground up allows the university to take a close look at the housing needs of its entire student population and build according to those needs. Undergraduates, graduate and law students all currently reside in student housing. But many of those students have indicated that they would prefer single room accommodations, particularly graduate and law students. On campus housing will also cost the university less money in the long run and after 10-15 years, pay for itself and become true revenue generating auxiliary service. Pros:
Student housing that meets the needs of all university “system” students University owned, operated, and maintained
Moves students out of commercially rented apartments
Better neighbor relations Summer conference and intern housing for
additional revenue
Learning communities
Possibility for “Faculty-in-Residence” program: a program combining Academic and Student Affairs in collaboration of the student success model
Marketing tool for greater enrollment and retention
Offers opportunity to strengthen summer orientation, giving students and families a place to stay during those days and a great way to introduce students to campus life
Year round housing to meet the needs of all university students
Create and implement a “Summer Bridge” program for incoming students
Opportunity for stronger “Upward Bound” program
Possibility of making housing mandatory for all incoming first year students thereby securing revenue
Initiating “mandatory” meal plans for first year residential students. This affords the university a better position when soliciting and attracting potential “dining” vendors for the student center and possibly adding a dining hall component in the newly built building
Offering students more connectedness to campus life Challenges:
Building funding: With the building of the first new construction in 40 years and the second LEED Platinum Student Center in the country; are the University and the District ready and financially able to start another construction project? If so, when?
Neighboring Consulates: Where can the university build on campus that will not impede on the security of adjacent embassies?
On-campus housing is a large undertaking that requires a great deal of staff and resources to run smoothly and effectively. Will the university be able to add additional FTE staff to run and maintain building (housing staff, maintenance staff, janitorial, etc.).
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Will the university be ready and able to present to the Mayor and City Council a justification for on campus housing and the need to increase the FTE staff number that will be needed to service and maintain this new construction?
If the administration and Board of Trustees decides to build, does the university continue to house students in their current locations or cease current housing until completion of building opening? What does that mean for current residential students? What does that mean for student athletes? What does that mean for non-student athletes who depend on student housing to aid in the continuation of their degree completion?
The Zoning Commission and Neighborhood Associations
Recommendation 2: Move Housing program to The Berkshire: A Gables Residential, Student Friendly property Student Affairs and Facilities and Real Estate have been working closely to identify different housing options that meet the needs of students, are financially feasible, and will bring a better quality of life for students residing in student housing. Berkshire Residential, located at 4201 Massachusetts Ave, is a residential community located across from American University that has over 700 units, 75% of which house college students. In addition to the many college students who rent individually at the Berkshire, American University currently leases 80 apartments with the company, housing 160 of their upper class students. Though further from the flagship, law school, and community college, the Berkshire is student friendly and offers amenities that will appeal to UDC students. Pros:
Student friendly: The Berkshire caters to college students. Over 75% of their total population of 700 units houses college students.
Willing to negotiate an agreeable price for UDC.
On site “Grill”. Students who are not used to cooking on their own or need to grab a quick meal before class can stop by the “in house” grill and order all of their favorites.
Offers UDC students an opportunity to meet and engage with American University students, allowing an opportunity to engage in collegial relationships and shared learning.
Less “crowding”. Only 4 students can be housed in 2 bedroom apartments and 2 students in 1 bedrooms or efficiencies.
Large apartments.
Newly renovated social rooms, lounges, and gym.
Utilities included except for cable/internet
Lounge space for programming.
Requires only 3 staff members (one Director and 2 Resident Advisors). However, does fewer staff produce the type of program that the university envisions? Is it a “Housing Only” program with staff there to deal with issues and the administration of the program or is it a “Residential Program” where staff program, talk with students regularly, and provide a true (or as close as possible) “Residence Life” experience?
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American University offers a free shuttle that can be used by anyone which will take UDC students to the Tenleytown Metro Station where students can then take the train or walk the ¾ miles to the main campus and law school.
Allows “summer conference”, summer intern housing: The Berkshire allows American University and all other “business” rentals to utilize the apartments however they choose to. They do not stipulate that use of apartments can only be for full time students
Free front of building parking (limited on a first come basis).
No building associations.
Not in Zone 3. Challenges:
Location: The property, though close to UDC’s main campus, does require travel by shuttle (not owned or operated by UDC) and the metro or a ¾ mile walk from Tenleytown. Will student housing away from campus appeal to students seeking “campus” housing?
Not conveniently located: Though in a bustling neighborhood, The Berkshire is wonderful for American University students commute but does not bring the “campus culture” or “on-campus” feel for UDC students.
Price: The Berkshire has minimal 2 bedroom apartments that start at $3300 per month. Most units are 1 bedroom or efficiencies that limit occupancy to 2 persons (1-bedro and efficiencies) and 4 persons (2-bedroom apartments). In order to break even and/or reduce the amount the university subsidizes (not including student athlete grant-in-aid, housing fees will have to be raised.
Student Athlete Travel: Student athletes have early practices and late night games (some requiring travel) that will get them back to campus late at night and sometimes in the early morning. Getting from the main campus back to the Berkshire will require additional cab fare or shuttle service at the Athletic Departments expense.
Very poor “Yelp” reviews, including an infestation of roaches (during the tour the property management insisted they have taken care of this particular problem with a complete “sweep” of the building.
Renting more apartments but housing the same number of students.
No swimming pool.
Sample rental pricing at The Berkshire:
Apartment Size # of
units # of students Price per unit
Total Price for all units of that size
Studio Large 6
12 1579 18,948 Studio med. 22
44 1479 32,538
Studio small 3
6 1399 4197
1 bedroom small 19
38 1,770 33,630
1 bedroom med 28
50 + 3 staff 1950 54,600
Grand Total 78
153 (including 3 143,913
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
17
staff)
1,726,956
(12 months)
* These prices do not include initial start up costs, moving costs, and additional furniture purchasing costs, insurance, or misc. fees.
Financial impact for students: The projected cost (not including start up costs, insurance, moving, etc.) for students can be looked at in several different ways. Students can be charged by size of apartment, number of students living in apartment, or students can be charged a “general fee” for all students. Included in the cost of housing should be the cost for cable/internet service and apartment turnover (cleaning). Programming monies will continue to come from deposit funds. Current housing costs for residential students is $4200. This price was the original price deemed appropriate when the program officially started at Archstone Van Ness in 2010. The price of apartments has increased for university rental but the price for students has not, thus leading to the university subsidizing the program more. In order for there to be no university subsidy, projected cost for the program (i.e. cost per student at current market rate) equals $12,180 for the academic year as compared to the current $8400. This total price is a 45% increase in current housing charges.
Semester per student
Academic Year total
Current Houisng Charges per student $4,200
$8,400
Revenue of current 148 Students $621,600 $1,243,200
Projected Housing Charges at 45% increase $6,090 $12,180
Revenue for 150 students w/ 45% increase $909,300 $1,818,600
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
18
Recommendation 3: Stay at current locations: 3003 Van Ness/AVA Van Ness Since 2010 the university has had a rental relationship with 3003 Van Ness. The university took 1-bedroom apartments, constructed walls and turned them into two bedroom apartments to house 4 university students per unit. We currently have 31 apartments in this building. In 2013 the university added to the housing program by renting apartments in AVA Van Ness, thus creating another rental relationship. We currently have 10 apartments in this building. Total we house 148 students. Pros:
The university has an established relationship with both properties
Location: The buildings are located directly across from campus making it an easy commute for students. They are also close to the metro, grocery stores, restaurants and shops.
Price: By turning 1-bedroom apartments into 2-bedrooms, the university saves money by paying lease amounts on apartments that are technically 1-bedroom. Renting two bedroom apartments is much more expensive. Additionally, finding apartments that are cheaper will require moving the program out of the NW side of DC.
Size: The apartments in both 3003 Van Ness and AVA Van Ness are very large. Though 5 students are housed in AVA Van Ness they do not feel cramped and many returning students prefer living in AVA over 3003 Van Ness.
Students like both apartment complexes and feel comfortable (overall) in both places.
Housing students across from the student center allows students to utilize the space more often creating a steady flow of foot traffic and use in the building.
The property management has a very good working relationship with the university and works very well with Residence Life staff.
Challenges:
The building association does not want UDC students living at 3003 Van Ness
The university has continuously been reported to the ANC 3F and he Zoning Commission for perceived violations by the building association president in an attempt to get students out of 3003 Van Ness.
Apartments are scattered between the two buildings on many different floors making it a challenge to create a true living/learning environment.
No intern/conference housing for additional revenues.
Costs for students: In order to maintain the current program without university subsidy the price will have to go up for students.
No room for expansion at 3003 Van Ness per the zoning agreement. There is however the possibility of adding 3 additional apartments at AVA Van Ness.
Financial impact for students: In order for the university to continue housing students at their current locations an not subsidize the program student housing fees must increase by 27%. The cost breakdown is as follows:
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
19
CurrentRate Including10%Increase Including20%Increase Including27%Increase
FY2017 FY2017 FY2017 FY2017 FY2017 FY2017 FY2017
Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate
Revenues
ApartmentRental-3003VanNess 890,400 890,400 979,440 979,440 1,068,480 1,068,480 1,130,808 1,130,808
ApartmentRental-AVAVanNess 319,200 319,200 351,120 351,120 383,040 383,040 405,384 405,384
SummerRentalRevenue W/O 210,000 W/O 210,000 W/O 210,000 W/O 210,000
DepositRevenues 22,200 22,200 22,200 22,200 22,200 22,200 22,200 22,200
TotalRevenues 1,231,800 1,441,800 1,352,760 1,562,760 1,473,720 1,683,720 1,558,392 1,768,392
Expenditures&LeaseAgreements
Salary&Wages 138,700 138,700 138,700 138,700 138,700 138,700 138,700 138,700
StaffBenefits 23,044 23,044 23,044 23,044 23,044 23,044 23,044 23,044
TotalCompensation 161,744 161,744 161,744 161,744 161,744 161,744 161,744 161,744
Utilities 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000
Repairs&Turnover 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000 45,000
FurnitureRental/Buyout 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
Insurance 4,100 4,100 4,100 4,100 4,100 4,100 4,100 4,100
Programming 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
TotalExpenditures 119,100 119,100 119,100 119,100 119,100 119,100 119,100 119,100
LeaseAgreement-Archstone 915,840 915,840 915,840 915,840 915,840 915,840 915,840 915,840
LeaseAgreement-Consulate 343,944 343,944 343,944 343,944 343,944 343,944 343,944 343,944
TotalLeaseExpenditure 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784 1,259,784
TotalExpenditures 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628 1,540,628
NetOperatingProfit/(Loss) $308,828 98,828 $187,868 22,132 66,908 143,092 17,764 227,764
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
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FLAGSHIP – DC Resident -FY17
Resident - CurrentResident - Proposed 10% ($840/$420
difference)
Resident - Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840
difference)
Resident - Proposed 27%
($2,268/$1,134 difference)
Tuition $6,800/$3,400 per semester $6,800/$3,400 per semester $6,800/$3,400 per semester $6,800/$3,400 per semester
Fees $620/ $310 per semester $620/$310 per semester $620/$310 per semester $620/$310 per semester
Housing* $8,400/$4,200 per semester $9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
TOTAL$15,820 per academic year $7,910 per
semester
$16,660 per academic year $8,330 per
semester
$17,500 per academic year $8,750 per
semester
$18,088 per academic year
$9,044 per semester
COMMUNITY COLLEGE – DC Resident AY17
Resident - CurrentResident - Proposed 10% ($840/$420
difference)
Resident - Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840
difference)
Resident - Proposed 27%
($1,680/$840 difference)
Tuition $2,460/$1,230 per semester $2,460/$1,230 per semester $2,460/$1,230 per semester $2,460/$1,230 per semester
Fees $600/$300 per semester $600/$300 per semester $600/$300 per semester $600/$300 per semester
Housing* $8,400/$4,200 per semester $9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
TOTAL$11,460 per academic year $5,730 per
semester
$12,300 per academic year $6,150 per
semester
$13,140 per academic year $6,570 per
semester
$13,728 per academic year
$6,864 per semester
LAW SCHOOL – DC Resident AY17
Resident - CurrentResident - Proposed 10% ($840/$420
difference)
Resident - Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840
difference)
Resident - Proposed 27%
($1,680/$840 difference)
Tuition $10,886/$5,443 per semester $10,886/$5,443 per semester $10,886/$5,443 per semester $10,886/$5,443 per semester
Fees $630/$315 per semester $630/$315 per semester $630/$315 per semester $630/$315 per semester
Housing* $8,400/$4,200 per semester $9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
TOTAL$19,916 per academic year $9,958 per
semester
$20,756 per academic year $10,378 per
semester
$21,596 per academic year $10,798 per
semester
$22,184 per academic year
$11,092 per semester
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
21
FlagshipNon-Residentialstudents
Proposed 10% ($840/$420 difference) Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840 difference) Proposed 27% ($2,268/$1,134 difference)
$14,634/$7,317 per semester $14,264/$7,132 per semester $14,264/$7,132 per semester
$620/$310 per semester $620/$310 per semester $620/$310 per semester
$9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
$24,494 per academic year $12,247 per
semester
$24,964 per academic year $12,482 per
semester
$25,552 per academic year $12,776 per
semester
Community College
Proposed 10% ($840/$420 difference) Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840 difference) Proposed 27% ($2,268/$1,134 difference)
$6,962/$3,481 per semester $6,962/$3,481 per semester $6,962/$3,481 per semester
$600/$300 per semester $600/$300 per semester $600/$300 per semester
$9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
$16,802 per academic year $8,8401 per
semester
$17,642 per academic year $8,821 per
semester
$18,230 per academic year $9,115 per
semester
Law School
Resident - Proposed 10% ($840/$420 difference) Resident - Proposed 20% ($1,680/$840 difference)Resident - Proposed 27% ($2,268/$1,134
difference)
$21,772/$10,886 per semester $21,772/$10,886 per semester $21,772/$10,886 per semester
$630/$315 per semester $630/$315 per semester $630/$315 per semester
$9,240/$4,620 per semester $10,080/$5,040 per semester $10,668/$5,334 per semester
$31,642 per academic year $15,821 per
semester
$32,482 per academic year $16,241 per
semester
$33,070 per academic year $16,535 per
semester
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
22
Contributing to Student Success
Whether the university decides to build on campus, continues to house students in its current locations or moves the program to the Berkshire, the Office of Residence Life is looking at ways to strengthen it’s program and create a close working relationship with Academic Affairs in support of student success. Residence Life will be reaching out to the community college and department Deans to look at ways they can partner together and create summer programs that could potentially bring in summer revenue and be in compliance with the zoning order and in the creation of “Living/Learning” communities.
What is a living/learning community?
A living/learning community is a tailored community option that allows students to explore a major or majors within the same college, or interest areas in common and live with people who share these interests. Learning happens in all areas of campus, including our student apartments. Living/learning communities are one of many ways we look to build connections to the academic side of the university and support the personal development and academic success of our student residents.
Each living/learning community is unique and gives students the opportunity to meet and interact with other students, as well as faculty and staff. Students may engage with faculty or staff during community programs, college presentations, and through tutoring and mentoring. Participation in living/learning communities has been linked to higher GPAs, increased student satisfaction, and engagement, and improved persistence to and graduation rates.
Goals of living/learning communities at UDC
In keeping with the Division of Student Affairs Goals in “Vision 2020”, the goals of living/learning communities in UDC student apartments are:
1. To offer a tailored community where students with similar majors or interests can live and learn together.
2. To offer a greater sense of “community” not only in the student apartments but in each specific college and the entire university community.
3. To work collaboratively with Academic Affairs in ensuring by in and participation from the College of Business and CAUSES and with the Counseling and University Health Centers, Career and Professional Development Center, and various student groups and organizations
4. To increase retention rates, GPAs, and graduation rates of participating students. 5. To build a student centered learning environment that focuses on the “whole” student
(academic, personal, social, and civic responsibility).
Learning Outcomes
Students who participate in living learning communities will:
1. Live, study, interact, and dialogue with other students who share same or similar
major(s) and areas of interests.
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
23
2. Identify their role as a member of their living/learning community as well as the
student apartment, university, neighborhood, and overall global community.
3. Receive mentoring, tutoring, guidance, and tailored programming from faculty and
staff from their specific college and from various departments and student
organizations on campus (SOAR, Campaign 9:30, Men of Strength, etc.) in their
apartment community and on campus.
4. Increase their GPAs, have a more satisfying overall university experience, will return
to the university and graduate.
5. Identify as having a greater since of belonging and responsibility to the university
and community.
Assessment
Assessment of learning communities will be done by three methods:
1. Student Satisfaction Surveys: Utilizing EBI or a similar housing assessment tool,
students will rate their satisfaction of their specific learning community and the entire
Residence Life program.
2. GPA and Graduation Comparative Analysis: Students residing in our learning
communities will have their GPAs and graduation rates compared to other residence life
students who are not participating in a learning community and the overall campus
community.
3. Pre/Post Student Personal Inventory: Students will do a pre and post assessment
on their knowledge and skills before and after participating in the learning communities
and give their personal opinions on the success of the program.
UDC Student Housing Learning Communities (Examples)
Business
The Business living/learning community is a great opportunity for College of Business and Public Administration students to live and learn with like-minded peers, engage with faculty and staff, and get involved with the college.
In addition to tailored programming, students will have mentoring and tutoring opportunities, and will be offered an opportunity to engage with faculty and staff on a more “informal” basis.
Students will be paired (as best as possible) with new students who are navigating the first years of college together and returning students who can offer additional mentoring.
Eligibility:
Any College of Business student can live in the Business Learning Community.
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
24
CAUSES
In keeping with the goals of CAUSES, this learning community will embrace the colleges
“…land-grant tradition of UDC, offering innovative academic and community education
programs…”
The CAUSES learning community will immerse themselves in the sustainability efforts of the
college and the university. Programs will be tailored around using the “community as our
classroom”. Not only will efforts be made to enhance the quality of life of students in our campus
community, but our neighbors in our student apartments and the overall Van Ness community.
Eligibility:
Any CAUSES student can live in the CAUSES Learning Community.
Wellness
The Wellness Learning Community will focus on the mind and body of students. Students who
participate in this learning community are those who are interested in incorporating specific
dimensions of wellness in their college experience to have a more balanced lifestyle. Those
wellness areas include but are not limited to: Physical, social spiritual, intellectual, and
occupational.
Students in this learning community will work with The Counseling Center, University Health
Services, Career and Professional Development, and various student groups and organizations
to practice and maintain their bodies and minds in a holistic manner.
Eligibility:
Any student who is interested in living a more balanced lifestyle, which includes abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and practicing safe sexual relationships and healthy personal relationships.
Recommendation 4: Discontinue Housing program The University of the District of Columbia has always been a commuter campus. The Housing program initially began to house student athletes. Though the program has grown, it’s also cost the university hundreds of thousands of dollars. Has the program been worth the cost? The residential students would say “yes” but those voices are few as the program is so small. If the university didn’t have housing, those monies could be used for campus areas in need of additional funds. Housing students cost money. The Board of Trustees has spoken very clearly that Housing is an auxiliary and should pay for itself. In order for the Housing department to be fully self-sustain ing fees must go up for residential students. The Board is also not comfortable with this. Unfortunately as neither university subsidy nor student fee increases are actions the Board wants to take, the only other option would be to discontinue the program.
Student Housing at UDC Past. Present. Future.
25
Pros:
The university ceases in subsidizing housing for students.
Monies not used for housing can be used in other areas.
The university no longer has to deal with building association, the Zoning Commission, or the ANC 3F for Housing related issues.
The campus will go back to being a true commuter only campus
Challenges:
Current residential students not graduating in spring 2016 will have to find other housing arrangements for the next academic year
Future students may not attend UDC because of a lack of student housing.
Student athletes who receive housing as part of their grant-in-aid will have to find housing close to campus on their $8,400 stipend ($8,400 is the current cost of housing) or the university will have to increase their stipend amount.
As residential students are some of the most active students on campus, the university may see a decrease in campus activity.
Nation wide and international recruitment for Athletics and the university as a whole may decrease if campus housing is not part of the package. Finding housing in DC is difficult for locals, it is overwhelmingly difficult for those from out of the District or country.
Attendance at athletic events may decrease, as residential students are the primary students who attend sporting events on campus.
The campus will go back to being a true commuter only campus. Conclusion Student housing is important. It’s important for our residential students, student athletes, and the overall campus environment. Having student housing is a great marketing tool and helps sell the university to many incoming students. Surveys show that 89% of students entering HBCUs for the first time plan to live in student housing. Student housing is costly. Whether it’s on campus, university run buildings or commercial renting; housing students costs money. But for those who need campus housing in order to pursue higher education in a safe, student success focused environment, it’s worth the costs. References: Astin, A.W., Oseguera, L., Sax, L.J., Korn, W.S. (2002). The American Freshman Thirty-Five Year. Trenes, 1966-2001. Higher Education Research Institute. Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. University of California, Los Angeles. Levine, A. (1994). Guerilla education in residential life. Realizing the Educational Potential of Residence Halls. Schroeder, C.C., Mable, P. & Associates. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Pryor, J.H., Hurtado, S., Saenz, V.B., Lindholm, J.A., Korn, W.S., Mahoney, K.M. (2005). The American Freshman National Norms. Higher Education Research Institute. Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. University of California, Los Angeles