University Community Discusses Proposed Residence Halls in “Town Meetings”

By Anne-Marie Kent

At one of two recent “town meetings” held to discuss proposed residence halls, Assistant Vice Chancellor Stephan Chait presented an architect’s model of the UMass Boston campus and, moving miniature buildings like puzzle pieces, illustrated three different versions of a campus transformed by residence halls. One configuration, with buildings reaching out towards the harbor, maximized waterfront views, while two others created enclosed courtyards. Chait and other members of the Internal Housing Committee explained the university’s rationale for proposing a limited number of student units and provided information regarding the funding, planning, and community-relations aspects of the process.

Back in February 2002, the University of Massachusetts Building Authority retained Sasaki Associates to assess the feasibility of introducing student residences. In late July, the campus received Sasaki’s draft report, and in August, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved five- and ten-year capital plans that included the building of student housing. The two on-campus town meetings, held September 9 and 10, were part of a larger process taking into account campus and community concerns.

At the September 10 meeting, Chancellor Gora said, “We are the only public university in Massachusetts that offers no housing. Among our peer-group, known as ‘the Urban 13,’ we are the only institution that offers no residential housing.” She said that providing 2,000 beds would not dramatically change the character of the campus, with its total enrollment of over 13,000. She added that many students leave UMass Boston or never consider coming to UMass Boston because of a lack of housing.

Sharing the results of a survey conducted by her office, Kathy Teehan, vice chancellor for enrollment management, said that 30 percent of admitted students who matriculated listed ‘lack of housing’ as a major concern. “Of those who chose not to matriculate,” said Teehan, “50 percent indicated availability of housing was one of the important factors influencing their decision.” She added that the Student Housing Referral Office supports 600 to 800 inquiries per week, indicating a “significant pre-existing demand for housing.”

Last year the Office of Student Affairs, led by Dean Stephanie Janey, surveyed students and found that 72 percent of respondents felt participation in student activities would improve if the campus had student housing. Janey said, “We know as educators that students who are academically and socially engaged in college are more likely to be retained.” Faculty representative Celia Moore said that dorms would allow for more peer learning situations and Athletics Director Charlie Titus said they would attract the best student athletes.

The town meeting format allowed each panelist to make a presentation and invited audience questions. David MacKenzie, vice chancellor for administration and finance, responded to one of the anticipated questions: “How, with all the budget cuts, can the university discuss plans to build residences?” MacKenzie explained, “The university’s operating budget, which has been cut, does not pay for these buildings. The project will be financed by revenue bonds and by those living in the buildings.”

Additional concerns were voiced by members of faculty and staff. Anthropology Professor Tim Sieber raised the question, “Who are these dorms really for, and exactly why do they need them?” He also expressed a desire for more faculty involvement and more clarification regarding how the dorms will help students and aid retention. Staffer Maureen Boyle wondered where displaced parking and soccer fields would go. Chait responded that these would be relocated to other areas not chosen for housing. Others asked about parking restrictions and meal plans, the details of which need to be clarified.

According to Vice Chancellor of University Communications and Community Relations Annemarie Lewis Kerwin, the results of the Sasaki report were shared on September 19 with members of the Community Liaison Group (which consists of 18 representatives from the external community). Next, the university will present these results to the Columbia/Savin Hill Civic Association. An independent study will be completed to assess the potential impact of student housing on the local community.

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