An Ohio University official talked with Athens residents last night about enrollment growth at the university in future years - and how the students will behave.
Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith visited the Near Eastside Neighborhood Association to take part in an informal question-and-answer session with residents of the Morris Avenue area. Residents were primarily concerned with how enrollment would affect the town.
We're planning to grow
Smith said, We're looking at a growth of 1 000 (students) over six years. That's not tremendous but it is at a steady pace
Smith said.
He added much of the projected growth would occur in regional campuses and online enrollment, but that growth still meant more students in Athens. Although exact numbers are unknown, Smith noted that high school graduates in Ohio are projected to decrease during the next 10 years.
Residents expressed concern that the number of students could overburden Athens' housing market, but Smith said this may not be as urgent a problem as it sounds.
The residence halls are at capacity
but the city is overbuilt
Smith said. There are more rental signs than I have ever seen.
Ben Lachman, co-chair of the association, said a high density project to add 100 beds is in the works on Milliron Street, and that existing complexes, including The Summit at Coates Run and University Courtyard Apartments, are not currently at capacity.
I'm interested to see how increased student enrollment affects things
Lachman said. It's an advantage to the students that the rental market is overbuilt.
More places mean students can be more selective in where they rent, he said.
Smith also addressed questions relating to how OU is curbing rowdy student behavior in the neighborhood. OU is taking a proactive approach, going door-to-door to talk with students, especially on Palmer and Mill streets, he said.
We find the majority of the students are reasonably accepting - 95 percent will adhere if they feel they have been included in the process from the start
Smith said. But that other 5 percent really can give you a headache.
Smith said he believes students' learning experiences at OU and in Athens should be holistic.
The way I see the student experience is having a good time in and out of class. Smith said, But
we also need to see that they focus on graduating.
Smith said tougher sanctions on drinking have ultimately reduced the number of students in trouble, adding that cases going through OU Judiciaries have been reduced by 40 percent since 2006.
Ultimately
Judiciaries will hold students accountable for their behavior
Smith said.
@ThePostCampus
