ACUHO-I 2024 Conference: Trends in Residential and Student Life

In October 2024, WRA leaders presented in not one—but four!—sessions at the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International Conference in Bethesda, Maryland. WRA Associate Principals Sindu Meier and Erik Tellander shared their experience working on residential life and dormitory projects in a variety of different sessions geared towards improving student outcomes and campus investment strategies. They presented with representatives from three different universities that we have worked with recently to design innovative student housing: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, and Case Western Reserve University.

Combatting the Mental Health Crisis with Intentional Design

Sindu Meier + Erik Tellander | Tuesday 10.29.24

In Student and Residential Life discussions on university campuses today, it is hard not to confront the growing mental health crisis. Today’s students grew up during a global pandemic, endured extended isolation from peers, and are witnessing two wars abroad and political polarization at home. These are just some factors contributing to the mental health crisis among college age students and jeopardizing their ability to thrive on a college campus. Schools, faculty, and staff are now required to address the consequent student needs. Can today’s residential life facilities address issues of isolation, anxiety, and depression among college students? By creating spaces for interaction, community building as well as adult interaction, and emotional support animals, intentional programming can facilitate meaningful connection, improve mental health, and ameliorate well-being.

This panel joined Brown University, Case Western Reserve University, and MIT Student Life leaders and WRA Associate Principals Erik Tellander and Sindu Meier as they discussed new ways to design spaces that encourage putting down your phone to engage with classmates, RA’s, or even the great outdoors.

Bryant Ford, Ph.D., Director of CAPS, Psychologist, Brown University

Jon Alvarez, AIA, Director of Campus Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stephen (Skip) Begley, Director of Residence Life, Case Western Reserve University

Demo or Reno: Investment Strategies in University Housing

Sindu Meier + Erik Tellander | Tuesday 10.29.24

College campuses often debate whether to renovate or break ground when building housing for growing student populations. Today, universities work to reimagine existing residence halls to provide modern amenities while celebrating campus culture and history. What should a university program into new residential halls to promote academic excellence, foster student connections, and create a sense of place for students? Residence halls are the ideal venue for Student Affairs professionals to create educational, social, and wellness programs for their students. These resources can occur within the building as well as the surrounding landscape to create a student focused district. The university’s sustainability goals, capital planning budgets, town and gown relations, are key drivers in determining whether projects should be new construction or renovation.

University leaders from MIT and Case Western Reserve University and WRA Associate Principals Erik Tellander and Sindu Meier came together in this session to discuss these issues and how they impact the housing portfolio of a university.

Jon Alvarez, AIA, Director of Campus Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stephen (Skip) Begley, Director of Residence Life, Case Western Reserve University

Gearing Up for the Enrollment Cliff: Strategies to Navigate a Soft Landing

Sindu Meier + Erik Tellander | Wednesday 10.30.24

Statisticians and economists have been warning us that college and university enrollment rates will drop precipitously over the coming years. Economist and expert Nathan Grawe claims the college-going population is expected to shrink by as many as 15 percentage by 2025. Schools are scrambling to shore up their market share with state-of-the-art academic STEM and arts facilities. How do Residential and Student Life leaders respond to capture the shrinking market, while keeping students engaged throughout their four years of enrollment? Consider strategies used by student housing teams to increase student enrollment and retention such as developing communities at all scales; promoting a sense of connection for students to mitigate isolation, and balancing wellness and academic needs. 

Case Western Reserve University and Brown University Residential Life leaders presented alongside WRA Associate Principals Erik Tellander and Sindu Meier, architects of these universities' recent housing projects, for an engaging discussion on ways Student Life teams can better prepare for the “cliff.”

Lichen Grewer, Director of Planning, Brown University

Stephen (Skip) Begley, Director of Residence Life, Case Western Reserve University

Reversing the Sophomore Slump to Focus on the Second Year Experience

Sindu Meier | Wednesday 10.30.24

“The Sophomore Slump” is a phenomenon that challenges universities and returning students across the country. Many universities have programs to integrate first year students in their new communities. As students approach their sophomore year, academic and career pressures increase. During this time students often choose their majors, compete for internships and research opportunities, and work to solidify their on-campus connections. Focusing on the sophomore experience is necessary to address student wellbeing and retention rates. Nationally, nearly one-third of students transfer schools at some point before graduating. Case Western Reserve University’s (CWRU) recent efforts are a case study of a university focusing on the sophomore class. At CWRU, there was a strong desire to create an on-campus home base for sophomores who are currently scattered throughout the urban campus. Design strategies were employed at the South Residential Village to give sophomores opportunities to build and connect to their support networks. The pod, the floor, the building, and the district are all curated to bring students together to flourish.

CWRU’s Director of Residential Life and WRA Associate Principal Sindu Meier joined forces in this ACUHO session to discuss how to create a center of gravity and sense of belonging for second year students.

Stephen (Skip) Begley, Director of Residence Life, Case Western Reserve University