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 A study lounge on the first floor of Justice Residence Hall, converted into a make-shift dorm room, welcomes five new female students. Photo by Alex Harrison | The Appalachian Overbooked dorms force students in triples, lounges
When Appalachian State University freshman Erica L. Moore arrived at Justice Residence Hall Aug. 20, she had more to be concerned about than most.
Moore received an e-mail from Appalachian one week prior to moving stating she would be placed as a temporary third roommate in Justice.
Moore’s concerns about closet space and living in close quarters mirrored that of her two new roommates, Taylor Q. Marraro and Brittany D. Meeks, both freshmen.
Tripling students in residence halls has become one of several disputed solutions to overcrowding on Appalachian’s campus this year.
Along with triples in Justice and East Residence Halls, the university has also placed about 74 students in floor lounges in Belk, Frank, Justice, Cone, and Bowie residence halls, as of Aug. 19.
On-campus housing issues are not a new problem at Appalachian, however overbooking skyrocketed this year as a result of Appalachian’s underestimation of returning students. The university saw a decrease in on-campus students last year, and thus readjusted its numbers accordingly this year.
“We have a certain number in mind,” Tom Kane, director of housing, said. “About half of that number cancelled.
As a result, about three weeks ago, we had about 150 to 160 students who had nowhere to live.”
The number of new international students also rose this year to approximately 125 students—a record number for Appalachian.
Additionally, 20 local students requested to live at home this year, instead of the anticipated 40 students, leaving 20 extra students without housing.
“We would never, ever deliberately overbook like this,” Cindy Wallace, vice chancellor of student development, said. “We did not do this on purpose.”
Lounge spaces in residence halls intended to serve as study areas and social gathering spots were quickly converted into livable housing spaces. Each lounge is required to meet code, including a lockable door and a window.
Rebecca A. Dellinger, a freshman management major living in a lounge in Cone Residence Hall, feels living in a converted living space may be advantageous.
Dellinger’s room, which she shares with two other students, was originally intended as a centrally located common study space.
“I feel pretty privileged to have such a nice view of campus,” Dellinger said. “I’m not complaining.”
Dellinger’s room includes three beds, three desks and one wardrobe. However, triple rooms in other residence halls, such as Justice, have three beds and two closets, but only provide two desks for three students to share.
In order to supplement additional housing, a select group of returning female upperclassmen living on-campus were offered $250 and release from their housing contracts by agreeing to move off campus.
Out of the 800 students contacted, four chose to relinquish their contracts.
Appalachian plans to give an estimated 20 percent discount off the full price of housing for students living in triples and lounges per week.
Even with a financial discount, students like Erica L. Moore and her parents have their concerns.
“I’m very frustrated,” Eric Moore, Moore’s father, said. “From a parent’s perspective, when you leave here, you just want them to have the best experience they can have.”
Students in alternative housing will be notified by both e-mail and phone if a vacancy opens, and Appalachian staff will be available to help students move to their new rooms.
“We know this is an uncomfortable situation,” Kane said. “We do this because we have a commitment to housing freshmen.”
Story: BARBARA ADAMS, News Reporter
Photo: ALEX HARRISON, Intern Photographer |
