2008 Woodie Awards
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Housing costs are reasonable
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Voices & Times
This letter is in response to the article "Some apartments not worth price" published in the Jan. 22 issue of The Patriot.
As director of student housing, I am compelled to inform readers of the many ways Capstone Management and FMU work together to create a community-living environment aimed at nurturing the academic and personal growth of every student. Campus housing is an important part of that learning environment, with about 40 percent of the student population living on campus.
Students are provided safe, modern and attractive facilities at an affordable price. In fact, compared to housing costs of similar universities in the area (Coastal Carolina University, Lander University, the University of South Carolina at Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate, and Winthrop University), FMU housing costs are significantly lower.
In addition, the university takes great measures to ensure the apartments on campus are well-maintained. A $1 million renovation of the 14-building Village apartments that began in 2004 was complete in summer 2006. As part of the restoration, all existing furnishings (beds, wardrobes, student desks, sofas, etc.), appliances, carpeting and window blinds were replaced with new ones. The interior walls and trimming also were repainted.
The Village and the Forest Villas apartments receive thorough annual cleanings and repairs between May and August.
During this time, the facilities management staff cleans and repairs the interior and exterior of each student apartment and residence hall.
For the past three years, the annual cost of such maintenance and repair has exceeded the $250,000 budgeted amount.
The residence halls and apartments on campus receive daily cleaning and maintenance, as well.
We realize that, even with the constant monitoring of such needs, some things still might go unnoticed by our staff. For that reason, we have a procedure in place for students to submit a work-order request if something breaks or for emergency cleanings.
For repairs, students should submit repair information into the electronic work-order system on the housing Web page or in the Housing Office. The repairs generally are made within 48 hours of notification and sooner if an emergency situation exists.
Our staff is committed to making students' on-campus experiences memorable, enriching and rewarding. We encourage you to assist us in doing so by contacting our office with any housing questions or concerns at (843) 661-1330.
--Terry Walsh,
director of housing and residence life
As director of student housing, I am compelled to inform readers of the many ways Capstone Management and FMU work together to create a community-living environment aimed at nurturing the academic and personal growth of every student. Campus housing is an important part of that learning environment, with about 40 percent of the student population living on campus.
Students are provided safe, modern and attractive facilities at an affordable price. In fact, compared to housing costs of similar universities in the area (Coastal Carolina University, Lander University, the University of South Carolina at Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate, and Winthrop University), FMU housing costs are significantly lower.
In addition, the university takes great measures to ensure the apartments on campus are well-maintained. A $1 million renovation of the 14-building Village apartments that began in 2004 was complete in summer 2006. As part of the restoration, all existing furnishings (beds, wardrobes, student desks, sofas, etc.), appliances, carpeting and window blinds were replaced with new ones. The interior walls and trimming also were repainted.
The Village and the Forest Villas apartments receive thorough annual cleanings and repairs between May and August.
During this time, the facilities management staff cleans and repairs the interior and exterior of each student apartment and residence hall.
For the past three years, the annual cost of such maintenance and repair has exceeded the $250,000 budgeted amount.
The residence halls and apartments on campus receive daily cleaning and maintenance, as well.
We realize that, even with the constant monitoring of such needs, some things still might go unnoticed by our staff. For that reason, we have a procedure in place for students to submit a work-order request if something breaks or for emergency cleanings.
For repairs, students should submit repair information into the electronic work-order system on the housing Web page or in the Housing Office. The repairs generally are made within 48 hours of notification and sooner if an emergency situation exists.
Our staff is committed to making students' on-campus experiences memorable, enriching and rewarding. We encourage you to assist us in doing so by contacting our office with any housing questions or concerns at (843) 661-1330.
--Terry Walsh,
director of housing and residence life
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