University will fill under-occupancy rooms

By Lauren Rothering
Cardinal Staff

The second semester brings new professors, new classes and, for some students, new living arrangements. Under-occupancy rooms at Saint Mary’s University occur for a variety of reasons, including December graduation, spring study abroad sessions, off-campus internships and students moving off-campus.
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Studying abroad is the most common reason rooms become under-occupied, according to Jessica Bare, hall director of Gilmore Creek and Hillside Hall and assistant director of Residence Life. About 20 SMU students will be studying abroad next semester.

Currently, said Bare, Saint Yon’s and Vlazny Halls have the most available rooms, and a handful of rooms in each hall are expected to open at semester. However, these spots are expected to be filled by incoming transfer and international students; the Office of Admissions is expecting around 40 new students next semester.

If a student’s roommate is not returning next semester, “we are trying to encourage (him or her) to choose someone to move into the empty bed so we do not have to place someone there,” said Bare. If students are unable to find another roommate, the Office of Residence Life will place students returning from abroad, transfer students and students who are re-admitted into these under-occupied rooms, said Bare.

Students who are not planning on living on campus next semester should contact the Office of Residence Life as soon as possible at reslife@smumn.edu.