WC board hears report on growing demand for campus housing
Weatherford College student housing administrators presented the growing demand for
on-campus housing at the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday.
More than 500 applications were received for student housing this academic year. The total beds available across Coyote Village and Vickie and Jerry Durant Hall is 388.
Many students opted to find alternative accommodations when told they’d be put on a wait list. Still, the wait list peaked at 80 students, and 23 of those were eventually able to secure a space in campus housing.
“On-campus housing is attractive to incoming students,” said Kari White, manager of student housing and student discipline. “These facilities also help increase participation in on-campus activities.”
White said students who live on campus are typically more engaged in campus life and benefit from opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.
Colby Wolf, assistant manager of student housing and student activities, outlined the financial impact of student housing, noting that adding beds could generate significant additional revenue for the college. Based on current housing rates, he said accommodating 70 additional students could provide approximately $330,000 in annual housing revenue.
At full occupancy, Durant Hall generates approximately $558,140 in housing revenue during the fall and spring semesters, excluding meal plan revenue. Coyote Village generates approximately $1.2 million during the same period.
Doug Jefferson, dean of student life and development, noted that the benefits of student housing extend beyond residence hall revenue.
“All students residing in student housing are required to have a meal plan, so that helps the cafeteria,” Jefferson said. “All students are also required to be full-time enrolled, so that helps with tuition and fees, unless there are special circumstances. So, housing benefits the entire campus.”
In other business, the board:
- Approved the minutes from the Sept. 10 board meeting.
- Approved the financial reports ending Aug. 31.
- Approved the quarterly investment report.
- Approved the chief executive office reporting requirements.
- Approved a proposal for HVAC replacement in the Graber Athletic Center.
- Approved sealed bids for ophthalmic lab equipment.
- Approved a resolution to authorize an affiliate agreement with the UT System Supply Chain Alliance.
- Approved the disposal of obsolete and surplus items through online auction.
- Received written reports from WC Wise County, academics and a student services update.
- Received a written report on access and affordability.
In his President’s Report, Dr. Tod Allen Farmer:
- Welcomed WC’s new Executive Vice President of Academic Services and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kent Buchanan.
- Announced WC being one of the first colleges in the nation to receive federal approval for Workforce Pell Grants.
- Congratulated the volleyball team on its 50th consecutive conference win.
- Announced the resignations of Bryan Corb, law enforcement academy coordinator, and Jennifer Smith, humanities instructor.