Megann Horstead
Social Media Editor
In the Office of Residence Life, it is hoped that engagement with students increases as the office gets more tech savvy and looks toward the future.
Upperclassmen at the College may have noticed some of the changes that are already impacting students living on campus. From increased publicity, to taking on a larger online and social media presence, the Director of the Office of Residence Life Sarah Avery said, “It’s a really exciting time in Residence Life.”
Looking forward, the Office of Residence Life is preparing to hold this year’s housing selection from April 28-30. It will run in upper WAC using the same format as in previous years.
To improve student consensus about the process, which has shown slow movement over the years, Avery revealed that housing selection process is due for change.
She said, “We are looking into doing more of an online housing system.” For students wanting to live on campus, this means that the process of selecting housing will all be completed online.
She added, “Trying to meet students where they’re at by building our online presence and technological abilities.” Avery said, “I think it’s something that we’ve really wanted to do for a number of years and we’re in a position where we think we can really make it work.”
Natasha White, a third-year student, said, “I think [the housing selection process]would be much easier for students so they could access it from anywhere with an Internet connection as opposed to worrying about showing up [to register in person].”
She added, “However, I’m not sure how [the Office of Residence Life]would maintain the “by credits” order of registering. But if they can figure out a way to implement that system or change it, I would say, go for it!”
Rachel DiPietro, a third-year student, said, “[The housing selection process] would be easier if signing up for housing were like registering for classes on Merlin.”
She added, “I found [the housing selection process]to be an inconvenience,” with all the noise and people waiting around. “If you could be in your room signing up and multitasking that would be more effective.”
The Office of Residence Life has been examining different online housing options and databases.
“We’re hoping to launch that sometime next year.” Avery said, “Of course, it’s a little tricky trying to get online with a new system. It’s definitely something that we’re looking at as we’re getting a little more tech savvy in our office.”
“We’ve been doing surveys, focus groups, and all kind of different things to really hear people’s voices when it comes to living on campus and hopefully we’re implementing some of those things well.”
Along with increasing their presence around campus the last two to three years, the Office of Residence Life has increased its Friday Night Program structure. The financial backing for it has come primarily from the student activity fund. The costs for student attendance at events remain free.
Activities such as block parties and movie nights are core favorites among students. This Friday, students can put their poker faces to use when the Office of Residence Life’s implements programming for Club Kimmel, NCC’s own casino night. It starts at 7 p.m. in Kaufman Dining Hall.
