Housing applications for the 2024-2025 year have been filled. However, the most jarring part is how all spots were reserved in two days.
A large portion of the student body living on campus were left irate and worried, resulting in anonymous app Yik Yak being overflowed with anger towards the situation and the Housing Department.
Mr. Ryan Hogan, ABAC’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, Marketing, and Communications, as well as a representative of Public Relations, was able to answer questions and verify information regarding this situation.
There were 450 applications pertaining to the Place 100 and 200 dormitories. Both buildings contain a mixture of 2-, 3-, and 4-person dorms complete with individual rooms, a living room, and a kitchen with a stove and dishwasher. Note that returning upperclassmen and freshmen could complete the housing application.
Jeffrey Holland, a freshman wildlife major, was one of the last 40 applicants, and he originally hesitated until he heard how fast spots were taken.
“I’m kind of surprised I made it in,” he said. “It really seems messed up that we only have 450 spots and that campus is doing nothing about it.”
“I’m not really happy with it,” said Abby Farquhar, a junior biology major who did not successfully apply. “The applications were not advertised very well this semester, so I did not know about the process until it was full.”
Hogan confirmed one key difference between the 2024 and 2023 application: the number of applications remaining boldly displayed on the home page. He said, “This was not done for the Fall 2023 application and was added to better communicate with our students,” which was an improvement to the format overall to be transparent and direct.
For some, this seemed helpful, but to others, it was a domino effect that spiked urgency. The Fall 2023 applications filled up in late March, which is a stark contrast to 2024’s.
“I’m sure it made people more urgent and caused some panic,” said Alexander Thibeault, a freshman crop and soil science major who didn’t get in, “but the main issue is that this shouldn’t be happening and that there shouldn’t be this lack of housing.”
Ideal priorities for those who need housing are those that live far away, can’t drive, or have unsuitable conditions at home.
When asked about priorities, Hogan said, “Students that are given 12-month-housing are priority,” and that “a select few organizations have reserved spaces in the residence halls.” Thus, perhaps this could change in the future to accommodate students.
Junior ag-studies major Jennah Mercado applied after being informed, but there was still room for worry. “I have an ESA [Emotional Support Animal], and as far as I know, most apartments aren’t pet friendly, and I don’t have $150 to get him certified.”
Housing released an email Jan. 11 confirming all rooms are reserved, mentioning a “waiting list,” and reminding students of a November email regarding the application process.
The neighbor waiver’s removal was also a major change in the email, removing a condition for residence. Yet again, perception has bent what this response meant based on timing.
On Housing’s side, this was a public response to provide support and explanation to disgruntled students.
“…we understood our students needed clarification on the status of the housing process,” said Hogan. “ABAC Housing wants to be as open and transparent as possible with students.”
For some students, the email was perceived as a means for covering a retreat.
“I feel like ABAC is [retreating], but I don’t think they’ll get away from it.” Holland said. “Students on campus are actually uniting under a common belief, and that might prove strong.”
WALB News 10 in Albany covered the story Jan. 12 about students’ overwhelming dissatisfaction. Housing was not against this, according to Hogan, as the discussion of these issues was purely just an exercise of free expression.
ABAC’s Student Government Association held a petition stand in front of Town Hall with clearance from Housing Jan. 16. The petition was to create a new residence hall and improve general conditions to provide a satisfactory living environment.
“We have been following the process for the University System of Georgia to conduct a feasibility study to address ABAC’s housing needs,” Hogan said concerning the idea of another building. This would be beneficial due to increased enrollment.
While a majority of the student body is dissatisfied with this situation, Housing is trying their best to help anyone in need. What remains is the question of what to do for those that didn’t get in.
Some students put faith in the waiting list, others plan on getting an apartment, some may take online classes, but the worst case scenario are those that might take a break or drop out. In time, hopefully everyone can be accommodated for what they need.
As of January 29, 2024, in an interview with Trent Hester, the director of ABAC’s housing, it has been confirmed that the application counter was manually updated, not automatically, because of the integration of an automatic counter possibly interfering with the overall budget for campus life.
This resulted in some students’ confusion with why they received an email about being on the waiting list after thinking they had successfully reserved a spot. Both Holland and Mercado were affected by this and are equally dissatisfied, but due to the timing of their applications, their placement on the waiting list is within the top.