Growing pains

Securing on-campus housing at Fort Valley State University may be tricky for returning Wildcats. That’s because a bumper crop of more than 1,000 new students are expected when fall classes begin in August. Due to the anticipated influx of freshmen, residential life administrators are encouraging all current students interested in university housing to prepare for alternative, off-campus living arrangements. Returning students who did not meet the May 2 deadline for housing applications will be placed on a waiting list.

FVSU Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Terrance Smith says the university is in the process of compiling a list of safe, reputable apartment complexes within the local Fort Valley area and surrounding communities. FVSU’s Housing Director Hosea Lewis will visit each facility on the list, negotiate the best rates for students and develop a directory based on his inspections and discussions with apartment managers. The directory will contain a brief description of the property and its amenities.

Besides expanding its housing inventory, university administrators have assembled a residential life transition team to assess other needs of students, such as transportation. “This is just one of the ongoing challenges associated with FVSU’s rapid growth,” said Smith. “We’re approaching the challenges as opportunities and we’re working to ensure that our students have the accommodations needed,” he said.

For inquiries about university housing, please call (478) 825-6100.

--Christina Milton works in the Office of Marketing and Communications