On Friday, Jan. 30, the office of Residential Life and Education sent an email to all Doane students regarding housing for next semester. Some aspects of the housing system, mainly the housing lottery, have changed. Brian Stutz, Director of Housing, said the changes are happening due to student feedback. “ I agree with many students’ feedback,” Stutz said. “ I do not think it is fair that one person gets to decide where they live; everyone’s credits should be counted.”
Now, students will elect a captain for their roommate group. This person will create the roommate group, invite all members to join, and name the group. The naming aspect is really important as it follows a new format. Students should name the group, Captain Last Name – Desired Hall – Desired Room Size. For example, Stutz – Hansen – six would be a group captained by Brian Stutz, trying to get into Hansen with a group of six.
Once a group has been created, Doane Housing will look at the group’s combined credits. Students will be shown a spreadsheet with tabs for each hall and space capacity. Groups will then be ranked according to credits. Stutz explains that, for example, there are 6 eight-person suites in Brodie, so a group ranked 7th or below will need to find something else.
March 19 through 25 is the “reorganization period.” During this time, groups can change their selection or size. Then, on March 26, an updated spreadsheet will be released. The list will be finalized on April 1, and students will email Housing with their specific room selection. For suites, this means which specific rooms students want within the suites.
Suites are always a hot commodity, but not always an option for everyone. Last year, 280 students applied for suites; the capacity of Brodie and Hansen is 278, with seven of those spots going to Community Advisors (CAs). Showrooms are available to one group in Brodie and Hansen, referred to as the “golden ticket,” as those groups can choose their location regardless of credit count. The word “show” must be added to the roommate group name to be considered for this. Stutz explains that showrooms have special contracts, and depending on the number of groups who apply, interviews may be conducted. “ So if you are thinking I will do this and then just ghost the process you may want to read that contract before you agree to be the golden ticket,” Stutz said.
Single rooms are an equally appealing option for students. Medical singles will be upheld, but singles for other reasons will be harder to get. “Right now, we have over 90 students in rooms without a roommate. I want people to know that with an increase in students, singles will be very hard to come by,” Stutz said. The single room waitlist will still exist, but students with medical reasons will be prioritized.
Additionally, optional renters’ insurance is new this year. Part of the reason for this, Stutz explains, is due to a large flood in Smith some years ago. As such, Housing wanted to offer students an easy option for renters’ insurance. “All students can sign up, whether you are on or off campus,” Stutz said. “It is a great way to protect your belongings in case of any type of emergency. The cost is also pretty low for students.” Students who initially decline may also change their minds over the summer and sign up for it later.
Generally, students are required to live on campus for three years. Exemptions from this require documentation, and those previously approved will need to submit an off-campus application. Students should not sign a lease until approval is received. Off-campus applications are due on April 15, but approvals will be completed on a rolling basis.
Stutz recommends getting things done early and being familiar with different options around campus. He also strongly encourages student feedback. This new system was built on student feedback and tested with students, which is to say it’s designed for students.
Along with contacting Housing, doanehousing@doane.edu, Stutz encourages students to stop and talk with him; he can often be found in the cafeteria during lunch time.
“At the end of the day, we always want Doane to be your home away from home, and I know this can be stressful but we are here to support the community on campus,” Stutz said. “Our on campus experience is vital for our community, and we want to be the community everyone wants to be.”
