86% say it would help them stay more engaged
The majority of students who responded to a recent survey about on-campus housing support the idea, the Board of Regents heard at its November meeting.
A total of 536 surveys were filled out before the Oct. 23 deadline, the Student Government Association said.
Students received the emails from DMC’s Division of Student Affairs at the beginning of October.
Questions on the survey included students’ information and major, as well as whether they would be interested in on-campus housing if it were available.
The college originally had dorms built on campus property in 1963. However, the dorms were converted into classroom space in 1972. Almost 50 years later, DMC could have student housing locations on the West, East and Southside campuses, but an exploratory committee is needed to determine exact locations.
According to the Student Affairs email, DMC continues to grow and expand, and the necessity for the return of student housing is undetermined.
“As of now DMC is in the early stages of planning,” said Beverly Cage, director of Student Leadership & Campus Life.
Charmy Advincula, a nursing student who submitted a survey, is in favor of the dorms.
“Having dorms available for students would be very beneficial,” Advincula said. “It would definitely help many students, especially those who are coming from different cities. They will not only have to worry about looking for an apartment, nor disturbance and transportation either.”
The Board of Regents held a workshop on Nov. 10, which was broadcasted live through the school’s website, to discuss various possibilities regarding student housing.
Rito Silva, VP of Student Affairs, presented statistics that were analyzed from DMC housing surveys. He said 79% of DMC students agree with the idea of student housing, while 57% of students would be interested in student housing. Silva also said that the majority of submitted surveys, 86% of students, agree that living on campus would help them stay more engaged and active in student events and activities.
In addition, John Strybos, vice president and chief officer of physical facilities, introduced possible housing options, potentially residence halls, apartments and multifamily apartments.
Strybos presented a project example, specifically the idea of converting the Venters Business Building into dorms of one, two, or three bedrooms, with a total of 219 beds plus a shared kitchen and dining space.
Strybos also presented benchmark studies that projected an estimate of 463 to 678 beds that DMC could provide by fall 2022.
According to Strybos, if the student housing occurs, students will be able to use their scholarships, financial aid awards and veteran benefits toward student housing fees, which would be added to the student’s tuition.
Additional statistics and benchmark studies will be discussed more in the future. Strybos estimated a draft to be completed by spring 2021.
Del Mar President Mark Escamilla said the college is constantly seeking student feedback.
“We survey our students for lots of things, that’s how the curriculum evolves here. That’s how services are evolved at colleges and universities. You talk to your students and find out what they’re needing, especially around these types of services,” Escamilla said.
The Board of Regents meets at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, with meetings broadcast live at www.delmar.edu/regents-and-community/board-of-regents/.
