Student Senate hears from Housing and Residence Life regarding future plans for campus

This week, Ohio University's Student Senate was given a presentation by Ohio University Housing and Residence Life reminding senators of their mission statement, as well as what's next for campus. 

“We make the large residential experience feel very small and intimate through the creation of our greens, or neighborhoods, if you will. We do so by creating engaging experiences and programs within our halls to help connect our students and help develop that sense of home,” said Jneanne Hacker, the Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life. 

Hacker went on to explain the plan for students at Ohio University who may not be returning home for the upcoming Thanksgiving break. “One of the great things about Ohio University is that we have 37 homes that we will keep open to support any student who makes the choice to stay on campus. We know that it's critically important, so as we think about our international students who can't just go home for the weekend, we want to ensure that we are fully supportive of them and other students who have made this University their home this season.” 

When the floor opened up for questions, multiple senators wondered what would be done about the historically high cost of residing in these homes during breaks, which could be up to $100 per week in some cases. 

Hacker explained that over shorter breaks such as Thanksgiving holiday and spring break, these housing options are of no cost to students, so long as they apply online before the deadline. 

However, over longer periods of time such as winter breaks, it was acknowledged that this is still an issue that Housing and Residence Life is working on addressing. 

Chris Owens, the Director of Housing Capital and Facilities Planning, discussed plans for a new residence hall that will hold up to 600 beds, and is set to be built on South Green, behind Mackinnon Hall, starting in 2024.

 “The building itself has multiple entrances for both if you're on foot or if you have a mobility disability, and it has five stories of residential rooms that are greater at the ground level. We're looking to create a 2000 square foot multipurpose space that is special for a variety of programming. Also, we'll have single use restrooms that will be accessible from the outdoors in this multipurpose space.”  Owens explained while projecting schematics of the pod-style living arrangements on the Senate screen. 

While it is uncertain whether this hall will be for sophomore or freshman students, the residence team wants this space to be “open and welcoming to all.”

After the Housing and Residence Life presentation concluded, new business was discussed, which included appointing an International Affairs Senator, a Woman's Vice Commissioner for Advocacy, and a Resident Life Senator.   

A major bereavement policy for grieving students, which was brought up by Senator Dylan DeMonte, was also passed. This bill aims to “give more university support to students, especially in cases of grieving students or students with mental health concerns,” according to DeMonte. 

The policy would allow students to take up to five days of grieving time for the loss of an immediate family member, given the proper paperwork was provided. 

The Senate then heard from a secondary sponsor of the bill, Shana Collins, a student at Ohio U whose uncle recently passed away. Collins found little to no support through the university. She explained that the energy it takes to focus on school, or ask professors for understanding can be mentally draining in a state of grief, stating, “I do not believe that bereavement should have to be a privilege.”  

This bill would also implement this policy into one department of the University, streamlining the process and sparing students from needing to separately email their professors and explain to them their families’ misfortune. 

The meeting concluded with the Advisers reminding students to take a moment and reflect on why they are relieved from classes for Veterans Day on Friday, while also taking time to mentally reset themselves and finish the semester strong.