Students with questions about Charlottesville's often intense and confusing off-Grounds real estate market now have someone who can help: Vicki Hawes, who began working as the first director of the new Office of Off-Grounds Housing in late July.
Hawes, a former customer service manager in the Office of the University Registrar, has been a tenant, landlord, neighborhood association president and business owner in Charlottesville since she first moved to the community in 1977.
"When I saw this job advertised, I thought this was the perfect job for me," Hawes said. "I see this office as a great opportunity to educate our students about the process of moving off-Grounds."
Council President Noah Sullivan said finding a director for the office was essential.
"Because so many students live off-Grounds, having someone working full time is important," he said. "Vicki Hawes is a very passionate person and is committed to students and their off-Grounds housing. We are confident that she will be a strong advocate for our students."
Hawes said the office will help students use other University organizations like student legal services and will work with community associations and landlords.
Sullivan said the establishment of the off-Grounds housing office was among Council's most successful initiatives last year.
Former Reps. Greg Moore and Marissa Nelson introduced a resolution calling for an office to help students with off-Grounds housing in November of 2003.
In February 2004, the idea was presented to the Board of Visitors, and by the end of the spring, Council updated its by-laws to reflect the formation of the office.
"The Office of off-Grounds Housing came to fruition within a year," Sullivan said. "Now we just have to make sure people know about it."
--Compiled by Timothy H. Lee
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