The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1 - 57

Student Housing Growth

While institutions and community may never fully agree on the expansion of student housing past the traditional borders of a campus, an institution has several options in space utilization and design considerations that may appease community members. Using institutional resources to provide the community with a desirable attraction, such as parks, light commercial, gathering spaces, etc., is a great extension of good will. While some may argue that these projects detract from resources devoted towards the institution, in a difficult and tenuous negotiation it is simply another cost of doing business. In addition to community-institutional agreement on structures, the building’s design guidelines are one method to facilitate agreement between parties. One of the chief complaints of community members concerning institutional expansion is the aesthetic detraction caused by a large building in an environment otherwise surrounded by smaller buildings. Design guidelines (materials, façades, entrances, lighting, etc.) and creative landscaping can be utilized to ease transitions between community and institution properties, to mask buildings or bright lights from community members, or even to transform otherwise rough façades like parking garages. While institutions may want to avoid community involvement in the minutiae of a project, such as selecting materials, agreeing to general guidelines can help eliminate a point of concern for community members, clearing the path for agreement on the building program. Admittedly, an institution considering expanding past traditional campus boundaries has a tumultuous road ahead. Institutions must be vigilant to keep community members

involved and abreast of ongoing developments in order to continue moving the process forward. As in all things, the foremost goal is the finish line, while the process of getting to the finish line may glean only casual attention. An institution that dedicates itself to planning for the expansion process will be best prepared to deal with unexpected obstacles and may well find a new partner in dedicated community members eager for positive change.

RefeRences
Agron, J. (1996). Seeking shelter: In the quest to attract more students to on-campus housing, colleges and universities are building facilities that incorporate the latest amenities. American School & University, 68, 36-40. Astin, A. (1993). What matters in college? Four critical years revisited. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Blackwell, M., Cobb, S., & Weinberg, D. (2002). The economic impact of educational institutions: Issues and methodology. Economic Development Quarterly, 16, 88-95. Brown, K., & Heaney, M. (1997). A note on measuring the economic impact of institutions of higher education. Research in Higher Education, 38(2), 229-240. Chandler, S. (1985). Mediation: Conjoint problem solving. Social Work, 30(4), 346-349. Fischer, K. (2008, May 16). Struggling communities turn to colleges. Chronicle of Higher Education, 54, pp. A1, A17-A20. Giles-Gee, H., & Rozewski, M. (2006). Higher education and health care institutions as stimuli for the revitalization of Camdenton, New Jersey, through capital expansion, collaboration, and political advocacy. Planning for Higher Education, 34(4), 5-13.

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The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Journal of College and University Student Housing - Volume 37, No. 1