Full House in Miller Hall

Housing moved to the forefront of campus issues at Luther after a series of changes in student placement.

Without room for everyone living on campus this year, Residence Life converted several Miller study lounges into residential rooms. ResLife Director Kris Franzen gave several reasons for the lack of conventional housing this semester.

“This shortage came about due to the decrease in the number of students applying to live off-campus and the large first-year class last fall,” Franzen said.“Along with very good retention rates.”

There were 713 new students in the fall of 2007 and only 89 applications to live off campus, compared to 100 applicants the previous year. Franzen offered insight as to why fewer students applied for off-campus housing this year. “The great community and convenience,” said Franzen.

New transfer students and some returning students inhabit study lounges in Miller. “Those currently living in lounge space do include some of our new transfer students that we hope to accommodate soon,” Franzen said.

Franzen went on to talk about some positive changes to housing this year. “Architects have been on campus this summer starting plans for major renovations in the Towers to begin next summer,” said Franzen. “Early plans include the creation of mini-suites, increased kitchen and laundry facilities, movable furniture, and additional shower and bathroom space.”

Another change comes in first-year housing. West Olson became a first-year hall, allowing triple rooms in West Brandt to be converted to doubles

“[This was done to] strengthen the Olson first-year community,” said Franzen. In years past there was a mix of upperclassmen and first-years living in that side of the dorm.

Ari Zink (‘10) an RA on Brandt Second West, saw some of the benefits of the switch. “[There are] fewer guys, so I am more available and easier to get to know,” said Zink.

When Zink was a first-year in Brandt, he had the opportunity to live in a three-person room. “If you went from a two-to a three-person room you’d miss the space, but from a three to a two it would feel a little empty,” said Zink.

Other improvements are the possible additions to Baker Village. “We would very much like to increase the Baker Village capacity by adding on 50-60 spaces in two buildings,” said Franzen.

With the steps taken to improve living in Brandt and Olson, the housing situation at Luther continues to improve and keep student concerns alive with the promise of more renovations to come.