After meeting with several Charlottesville landlords on March 26, University administrators and students say they still have concerns over early and competitive lease-signing dates.
The meeting, part of ongoing discussion regarding student housing, addressed the effects of early lease dates on first years and Greek houses. In its wake, administrators and student leaders are working to improve the quality of housing options.
This year, the University moved the on-Grounds housing deadline from Jan. 21 to Nov. 1 in an attempt to alleviate stress over first-year housing.
Assistant Housing Director John Evans said the deadline change did not noticeably affect the number of on-Grounds applications.
Student Council President Micah Schwartz said allowing the change helps prevent the "first-year myth."
Schwartz explained the myth as the idea that is spread amongst first years that all housing will be gone by November.
Assistant Dean of Students Penny Rue voiced several concerns that parents and first years have voiced about the situation.
"There's the readiness factor for living off Grounds," Rue said. "Not that many second years want 12 month leases that early -- more third and fourth years do."
Rue currently is investigating the effectiveness and feasibility of granting first years on-Grounds housing priority.
Schwartz explained that this priority could provide students with the flexibility needed to make better decisions.
"The idea is that third and fourth years are better equipped to move off Grounds than first years," Schwartz said.
Council Housing Committee Chair John Bailey said the first-year priority warrants further discussion, but emphasized the need to treat all students fairly.
Evans pointed out that the University probably has a larger percentage of fourth years on Grounds than other schools.
"I expect that the demand for space would mean that there wouldn't be enough space for fourth years to stay on Grounds," Evans said.
IFC President Ryan Ewalt also is investigating a possible solution to the housing dilemma. Ewalt initiated a discussion yesterday with University Legal Counsel Madelyn Wessel about creating a contract between the University and major local landlords.
Ewalt estimated four or five companies currently control 80 percent of the off-Grounds market and said those companies could enact widespread change.
"My idea is a contractual application," Ewalt said. "If one of the landlords breaks the contract, you can charge them a fee."
Ewalt added that the University would have to offer the landlords a few benefits in return, such as a free housing fair or ads in student publications.
Greek houses suffer due to the early sign date because first years cannot get out of off-Grounds leases if they want to live in Greek houses.
IFC leaders said they plan on improving communication with first years through the parent's program, orientation and events during the first week of school.
"For every first year, I firmly believe there is a fraternity out there that fits him and his lifestyle, and because of that IFC will push first years in the fall from signing leases until January," Ewalt said.
Bailey emphasized that fixing the housing situation is an ongoing effort.
"We continue to have a running dialogue with the landlords of how to better serve students' needs in the housing arena," Bailey said.
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | Yesterday"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | 2 days agoRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 3 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
