A recent UNCW study has concluded that students want more options from on-campus housing, including more space. The study, conducted by Brails Ford and Dunlevy, a private consulting firm from Washington, D.C., found that UNCW needs 800 more beds for on-campus housing. The study also found that students want greater visitation flexibility, housing more comparable to off-campus residences, more privacy, and more choices for optional meal plans. The need for more beds became evident in the fall 2001 on-campus housing crunch. The fall 2001 goal of 1650 on-campus students was derived from a formula using past enrollment numbers. That number, however, rose considerably when 1,984 students were guaranteed on-campus housing said Brad Reid, director of Housing and Residence Life. “This year was the first year that we didn’t have any no-shows on the first day,” Reid said.

Due to the lack of extra beds, on-campus housing next fall will be limited to 1,600 students, Reid said.

“(Housing officials still) have no idea when I can move out of the study lounge, ” said freshmen Lauren Rufin, regarding this year’s crunch.

In accordance with the study, new residence halls are planned. The first will be built near Honors and International Halls next to Wagoner Hall. The dorm will consist of 260 new beds, rooms of 2 and 3 member occupancy, and will span three floors. Its projected completion date is July 1, 2003. This is the earliest that any of the needed 800 beds will be available, and the need may increase by then.

“I think it is important for freshmen to live on campus,” Reid said, referring to his thoughts on requiring freshmen to live on campus.

However, due to the shortage, it is not possible for next year’s class.Hal White, the university’s attorney, is working in conjunction with other campuses to secure other housing options for on-campus residents including a public-private venture. This solution would combine university land with outside private building funds. Housing officials are also considering amenities such as washer and dryer hook ups, Ethernet connections, a weight room and a swimming pool included in the privately funded facilities.

The new public-private on-campus living quarters are not expected to be completed until July of 2004, and another residence hall is expected to be completed by July of 2005. Another more traditional dormitory has an expected completion date of July of 2006. By 2006, 1,260 new beds are expected to be in place.

All 16 state supported campuses were informed, Reid said, that North Carolina will have significant increases in graduating high school students wishing to attend college.

UNCW appeal is also growing.

“The beach, the town, the beautiful campus attracts many students,” Reid said.