By Rory McNelley, Education and Enrichment Coordinator

Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kimberly Moore visited SGA on Monday to answer questions about the new three year housing requirement. 

Moore followed up on Thursday’s email sent from her and Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Scott Clyde explaining Xavier’s thought process behind the policy change. She answered questions from senators about policy details. 

The three year housing requirement originally debuted in the Sustaining Excellence initiative and the Campus Master Plan, both of which have been in the works for over a year now. Moore pointed to other universities such as Notre Dame and Loyola Maryland which have similar requirements. 

Moore emphasized the policy’s effect on potential students. Through a market analysis and other research, Xavier made an informed decision Moore added. 

“Juniors aren’t going to be living in Kuhlman Hall. That is not what we are picturing,” Moore said. 

Moore shared that the junior residential year will be different from the first two. Xavier has yet to iron out those details but are committed to making a unique and supportive environment for the future third years. 

Moore also urged student senators to resist the misinformation around campus. The policy is in its early stages and not many details are available. Moore referenced that they had three years to work out the kinks on the policy, until it is implemented in 2030. 

“The most important thing is that we are communicating it with prospective students,” Moore said. 

The campus resistance to the policy has been considered by the administration and student voices have been heard. New details about the policy are planned to be well communicated with assistance from the SGA.

Senators shared their frustration about the lack of details. There is not much information available and it was a quiet announcement. Administration is working hard to be retroactive to communicate with students the details about the policy and ask for input from the community. 

Additionally, a new perspective was shared. Cincinnati’s housing crisis could be solved by the housing potential in Norwood. With more families and community members moving in, the economy of our area has the potential to be boosted. As a result, Xavier students should see more retail and dining options pop up in the coming years. 

In regard to the off-campus culture, Moore urged senators to pass the torch to younger students and teach them the Xavier traditions like the Golf Darty in order to keep the culture alive.