Government and Community Relations
Speeches and Presentations
MCC Needs to Add Residence Halls to Increase Appeal, Competitiveness Dr. Susan Salvador Vice President, Student Services Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, "Speaking Out" essay 09/10/2001 How often have I heard the disappointed reaction of students and parents when they learn that Monroe Community College has no on-campus housing? Too many times in my 13 years at MCC. For years, MCC students and prospective students have been interested in living on campus. Prospective students and their parents have often told me that they want the high-quality programs and committed professors that MCC offers, but a residence life experience is important to them as well. As a professional in the area of student life, I know and appreciate the learning and personal growth that occurs for many students while living in a college residence hall. Our anecdotal evidence was backed up this year by a survey sent to 6,000 MCC students. We asked students if they were interested in on-campus housing; the results indicate a demand for 900 beds. We also asked students what were the most important factors they would weigh if presented with an opportunity to live on campus. Not surprisingly, affordability is at the top of the list. Other factors include privacy, security and proximity to college facilities. Our plans take all of these into account. Our proposal calls for three residence halls on the Brighton Campus, serving about 400 students. While rental fees are not yet set, we expect them to be competitive with the local market. For privacy, students may choose between suites with single- or double-occupancy bedrooms. The physical safety and security of the students will be paramount in the design of the facility. Additionally, recognizing that security goes beyond the physical plant, residents will be supported with a full residence life program. Proximity, of course, is inherent in on-campus housing. So why now? The economic climate is right. We feel an obligation to not burden local taxpayers with this initiative and so our plans hinge on the financial self-sufficiency of the project. The construction would be bonded, but the bonds would be paid back through revenues collected through residence halls. We have discussed our plans with county and town officials, and emergency services professionals and are pleased with the support the project has received. Local taxpayers would not pay for the education or for on-campus housing for students from outside Monroe County. The cost of their presence is offset by double tuition for non-New York state residents and financial support from other New York State counties that have students enrolled at MCC. Adding residence halls makes sense for Monroe Community College and Monroe County. In doing so, MCC fulfills its mission of providing access to a high-quality learning environment to a diverse community. With on-campus housing, international students, students living too far away to commute and students from Monroe County can take advantage of the high-quality and distinctive programs that MCC offers. These students enrich our classrooms with their unique perspectives. It is our hope that they will also enrich our community through service initiatives and, eventually, by becoming part of the Monroe County workforce. The success of the latter depends on how well we welcome them into our community. |
