Last October, university administration announced a plan to force all first year students to live in campus housing for their first two years – even as the university faced waitlists for those who need housing at current. The requirements seem at odds with the reality on the ground. As a result, there has been pushback from students who are currently enrolled, and especially our affiliate student group on campus, Students for Quality Education (SQE). At the end of the fall semester, the two current SQE Interns, Thad and Sofia, were asked what information they would want faculty to know about the university’s housing proposal. Here is what they said:

1) What do you want faculty to know about the recent proposal from the university to make living on campus for first and second years mandatory?

Sofia: I want faculty to understand how financially difficult this proposal will be for many students. I strongly disagree with making on-campus housing mandatory because I personally would not have been able to attend this university if that had been a requirement when I applied. Forcing students to live on campus will create serious financial stress, push many students into debt, and add pressure that takes focus away from academics. This requirement is unnecessary and should be carefully reconsidered with students’ financial realities in mind.

Thad: I really like Sofia’s answer and I don’t think I could put it in better words. The only thing I think I might add is that the university is being very shady about the policy. While they have made a website for the details of the housing requirement, they’ve effectively shut down any channels for asking clarification on details about it…[as of the end of the fall semester, they’ve] had two webinars to answer student concerns, but they were both set up so that you could only see your own questions, not others’ questions, and had no means of follow-up if they didn’t adequately respond to your question.

2) Why did SQE decide to hold a protest on November 20?

Sofia: SQE decided to hold a protest on November 20 to show President Luke Wood and the administration that students are upset about this requirement. Although Luke Wood has repeatedly stated that it would not affect current students, we are still concerned for future students. Many students may be forced to turn away from Sac State simply because they cannot afford mandatory on-campus housing. The protest was meant to make our voices heard and to stand up for students who would be negatively impacted.

Thad: The purpose of the protest was to get students voices heard. This housing policy is viewed so negatively by students that there were several people coming to SQE asking us to organize a protest about it. This is not a common thing for policies from the school, which alone goes to show student opinions on it.

3) How best can university faculty support students right now?

Thad: Faculty can help students by talking about the policy in their classes. It doesn’t have to take an entire lecture period if they don’t want to, but informing students and giving students a place to voice their thoughts and realize that they’re not alone in how they feel is extremely important.

Sofia: I believe the best way faculty can support students right now is by being approachable and available for students who have concerns. Many students are dealing with a lot of stress in their personal lives, and sometimes it is helpful just to have someone to talk to who truly cares and is willing to listen. Knowing that faculty are supportive and understanding can make a big difference for students during difficult times.

Thank you Sofia and Thad for sharing your thoughts and speaking up for students who voices are not yet heard here on campus. 

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

My fellow unit 3 faculty, this is what we can do. Learn about the programs the university is implementing and impacts it is having on students, now and into the future. We need to know what we can do to support, and in this case some understanding can go along way. We can also just be there to listen; create some space for your students if you are able. Honestly, sometimes that is the best thing we can do. 

In Solidarity,

Your Sacramento Chapter Executive Board

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