Ellis expects the plans for proposals and first step will be learning as much as they bids from contractors to be reopened at some can about the situation. point. Additionally, the university hired “Research would be the word,” Dean Kennedy as the executive director for Kennedy said about their approach. Residential Life, Housing and Food Services “Housing market analysis—both for on last week, and Ellis said that the new direcand off campus housing.” tor will oversee a new five-year housing Off-campus housing in the nearby areas strategic plan. also still remains an option for a lot of students, “I would recommend conducting a housing although rent prices have been steadily rising market study that would complement the over the past few years—with current prices strategic enrollment management plan, ranging from $600 to $1,300. both of which would inform our In the meantime, UNR contindirection moving forward,” ues to make strides towards “We got Kennedy said about the plan, returning to normalcy. In lucky that we had via email this week. addition to the renovations He also mentioned on the damaged dorms, these two apartment that the university the school recently buildings … well under will continue to opened a new engineerconstruction and that they guarantee on-campus ing building and will be accommodation for building a new business would meet the needs of what first-year students building soon. Ellis said our numbers were.” who apply the approthat discussions about priate deadline—and other construction work Shannon Ellis they are currently or buildings will resume Division of Student exploring how to provide once renovation on Nye and Services VP on-campus housing for Argenta Halls is complete. students for multiple years. Nearly eight months after Kennedy said that the housing the devastating accident that had them construction occurring around campus scrambling, the university is managing the makes it difficult to get a clear idea of recovery efforts well. the supply and demand for student hous“I think people have discovered, parts of ing, both on and off-campus. Making them, myself included, that you didn’t know data-driven decisions in the current existed,” Ellis said. “Because a lot of us have circumstances will be a challenge for the been here a while and done this a long time. new director and the university, and the There is a lesson: you’ve never seen it all.” Ω
Rocking and rolling
Skate Jam 7, an all-ages event featuring live music and skateboarding, took place at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor—71 S. Wells Ave.—on Saturday Feb. 29. PHOTO/JERI DAVIS
03.05.20
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RN&R
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