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Campus News

Flics and Fondue

by Rebecca Dailey '25

Tonight from 8 to 10 the Campus Activities Board (CAB) will host their Valentine’s Day event, “Flics and Fondue,” outside of Java in the Reinhold Campus Center basement. The evening will include a chocolate fondue fountain with assorted snacks, valentine writing supplies and a showing of the “Princess Bride”! 

Emma Podobinski ‘27, who is leading the event, expressed her excitement: “I have always loved Valentine’s Day, and that definitely inspired this event. I wanted to create a cozy and chill event for people to enjoy on the holiday while doing thematic activities. To me, eating chocolate fondue, watching a romance movie, and writing Valentines sounded like the perfect Valentine’s night.” 

Jana Newberry, Director of Student Engagement and the supervisor for CAB, shared, “Emma mentioned the idea for this event in her CAB interview process and so it’s very cool to see it come full circle! Valentine’s Day is a fun one, and I like that the event feels both special and relaxed. I like that anyone could come and have a good time.”

Significant planning went into this event. Newberry helped coordinate behind the scenes details and supported Podobinski’s process of reserving a space, ordering food and decorations and renting equipment.

“CAB works collaboratively on most of our events from the idea phase to putting on the actual event,” Newberry stated. She added that “Typically, we have one or two people ‘on point’ in this case Emma Podobinski had the idea and energy for this event and has done a great job with the planning!” 

Podobinski wanted to create an atmosphere for everyone. “For this event, my favorite part of planning was creating the atmosphere that I envisioned the event to have,” she said. “When I was ordering decorations, I had a lot of fun planning how I wanted to transform the space outside of Java 101 into the cozy place I was imagining. I relied on Pinterest to see the vision come together and to come up with fun ideas for the event.” 

While Valentine’s Day may be centered around love, this event is meant to share with all, Newberry said. “We wanted to do something specific for Valentine’s day and most people can get behind food and movies,” she commented. 

She added, “Again, everyone is welcome, whether they can come for the whole time or just drop!”

“I want everyone to be able to enjoy Valentine’s Day, whether they are in a relationship or not,” Podobinski expressed. “So, I hope this event creates a space where people feel comfortable and can spend time with their friends and loved ones on the holiday.” ★

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Limits on God’s Sovereignty Panel

by Abigail Bates '26

“Limits on God’s Sovereignty” will begin next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Willard J. Houghton Library, room 323, and is Around the Table credit. The panel is part of a series sponsored by Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Katrina Koehler and Professor of Philosophy Dr. Benjamin Lipscomb. The series began in 2023 with the first discussion on Nov. 15 covering the conflict in Gaza and has since then covered topics like masculinity and censorship in the fall 2024 semester.

Koehler said they started the panel discussions to promote “thoughtful conversation[s] on hot-button issues.” They wanted to show how intellectual Christians can engage in complicated topics, not only “from their areas of expertise, but also as thinking believers,” she explained. Although such topics are discussed in classrooms, Lipscomb added, “it seemed to both of us that there was an empty space for something more.”

“If we as an institution don’t sponsor and model serious, challenging discourse, we abdicate our role as educators,” he said.

When Lipscomb arrived at Houghton in 2002, and throughout Koehler’s undergraduate years, Houghton University’s campus held many events similar to the current panel series. A few included topics on the Iraq War, nudity in art, sexual ethics and interpretations of feminism. 

In recent years, however, few such events have occurred. Lipscomb listed reasons such as the institution’s population decrease, COVID-19 pandemic and fears of cancellation.

“But we remember how valuable these panel discussions were to participants and attendees,” Lipscomb said, because the events exposed “students to professors outside their majors and [gave] students opportunities to listen in on and join serious, respectful conversations by members of their community.”

Next week’s panel will host Professor of History Dr. Christian Esh, Associate Professor of Old Testament Dr. Andrew Walton, Interim Dean of Spiritual Life Rev. Dr. J.L. Miller and Associate Professor of Vocal Music & Conducting Dr. Daniel Black.

Lipscomb explained that the topic of divine sovereignty is one that has long divided Christians. He added that “it’s the kind of thing students sometimes debate in dorm lounges late at night, but unless they’re in a theology class, they don’t get the opportunity of thinking in a more rigorous and grounded way about it.”

He expressed that even in theology classes, usually only one professor facilitates and comments on discussions between students, which limits the conversations.

“The whole point of the series, though, is to make available conversations of a different sort: open to more people, involving more people,” Lipscomb said.

He described the topic as pastoral, relating to the care and guidance of Christian followers, because it connects directly to who God is; what God controls and how he directs that control. “It’s not just academic; it’s existential,” he added. Some Christians are “suffering and watching others suffer,” he said. They wonder “what God has to do with it.”

Lipscomb hopes students leave the panel series with “a sense of what disagreement and mutual exploration within the body of Christ can be like.”

“In a polarized world,” Koehler said, “we want to demonstrate nuance, shades of grey, and the value of thoughtful discourse. Most importantly, we want to show that disagreement can be done well.”

Later this semester, the question “Should you have children?” will be addressed, which Koehler said “reveals deep, often unspoken value systems beneath our varied responses.” They are already considering future topic possibilities such as missions, immigration and AI, and are happy to take suggestions. ★

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Campus News

The Door of Paradise

by Danielle Skinner ('27)

Tonight at 6:30 p.m. Houghton University’s (HU) Chamber Choir will be performing in the Center for the Arts (CFA) Atrium. The performance is titled The Door of Paradise. 

The Chamber Choir is the most elite of HU’s choirs and requires a year-long commitment. Only sixteen spots are available that students must audition for.

The choir is directed by Dr. Kevin Dibble, the Associate Director of the Greatbatch School of Music, Associate Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music. 

Junior Susannah Denham ‘26, a choir member since the spring of 2024, explained that the Chamber Choir is unique compared to other campus choirs.

“We don’t usually perform music for large choirs and we do mostly a cappella pieces,” Denham noted. “Since we only rehearse twice a week, less than any other choir on campus, everyone is a strong musician and confident in sight reading.”

Denham commented on the importance of the “performer-audience relationship.” The ensemble needs the audience, and she said the choir wants to share their hard work and “this beautiful combination of pieces” with listeners.

“Personally I’m excited to perform these pieces for family and friends,” Denham said, and added that “Dr. Dibble has arranged a beautiful collection of compositions, each with a story and depth behind them.” 

In addition to traditional and modern pieces, the choir will also perform pieces composed by HU students and faculty. 

“Each piece is truly incredible,” she said. 

Denham stated that out of their music selection, she particularly enjoys “Song for Athene”, “Entreat Me Not to Leave You” and “Heart Fire”. “Song for Athene” is a musical composed by John Tavener with lyrics by Mother Thekla, an Orthodox nun. It was written after Tavener’s family friend, Athene Hariades, was killed in a cycling accident. “Entreat Me Not to Leave You” is one of Dan Forrest’s best-known a cappella pieces based on Ruth’s plea in the Bible. “Heart Fire” is composed by Carrie Magin (https://www.carriemagin.com/store/heart-fire) who explained it “expresses a raw abandon that comes from the beauty of experience and from the natural world around us.”

Denham advised attendees to “pay attention to the texts and how the music supports them and creates a specific atmosphere.” 

Faculty and students alike are encouraged to attend the performance. ★

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Life Together Groups

by Sadie Nakamura ('26)

Houghton University (HU) offers a variety of weekly small groups around campus called Life Together Groups. These gatherings are open to all students and designed to foster a sense of community and encourage meaningful spiritual connection. 

Interim Dean of Spiritual Life J.L. Miller explained that Life Together Groups were created to help students share their spiritual experiences and grow together in faith. Each group features a unique focus, providing opportunities for students and faculty to engage in deeper spiritual connection. 

“I chose the name Life Together Groups from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s seminal work called Life Together,” Miller said. “The book explore[s] what it look[s] like living together. I think it’s such a gift to be at an undergraduate institution like Houghton where you are surrounded by peers, faculty, and staff all interested in being at a Christian University, growing in their faith, and studying together.”

Miller emphasized the importance of creating intentional spaces for Bible study, prayer and spiritual discussion. 

“I think one aspect of doing Life Together as Christians is creating [these spaces],” he said. “I wanted to be sure the Spiritual Life office was doing something to enhance the offerings across campus.”

Miller’s overall vision is to ensure that a variety of small groups and Bible studies are consistently available for students because he believes “it is important for students during their college years to be connected with peers and classmates on a spiritual level.”

Although student-run small groups already existed on campus, Miller sought to provide additional support to help students easily find groups that fit their interests and schedules. One aspect Miller appreciates is the flexibility and creativity of these gatherings. “I love the variety of styles in the different groups,” he noted.

One such group is Daily Prayer. Lee James ‘26, a double major in bible & theology and history, is one of the students who helps lead the Daily Prayer Life Together Group. The group meets every weekday at 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Spiritual Life Office, located on the lower level of the Campus Center. 

“Daily Prayer is open to everyone,” James said. “It’s a great way to take a breather in the middle of a chaotic week.”

James emphasized the positive impact of leading a small group, sharing that daily prayer provides a safe opportunity to connect with others, adding, “It would be really cool to see more people get involved!”

Another popular group is Board Games and Big Questions led by Julia Collins ‘26, a history major. The group combines fun with meaningful conversations, inviting participants to engage with both games and thought-provoking questions. 

“I think it can be really encouraging for people to come together in a small group setting,” Collins shared. “Everyone has burdens and it is so beautiful to help each other carry these burdens.” 

Collins believes the Life Together Groups provide opportunities to form friendships with “people that you might not otherwise meet!” She added that some “of my best friends are the ones that I’ve met in life together groups.” 

Through Life Together Groups, HU continues to cultivate a spiritual community where students can build meaningful relationships and deepen their faith. ★

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Campus News

Winter Dance: Dusk Til Dawn

by Abigail Bates '26

Tomorrow—from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.—the Campus Activities Board (CAB) is hosting “Winter Dance: Dusk Til Dawn” in the Reinhold Campus Center (CC) basement.

Sophomore Gracie Stickels ‘27 said last year’s theme was “winter ball.”

“It was the perfect balance of fancy and fun,” she said, adding that “the snacks, drinks, and decorations were pretty and sophisticated while the energy of the dance floor was off the charts!”

Stickles oversees this year’s dance with help from her fellow CAB members. She has been busy working with Director of Student Engagement Jana Newberry, reserving dance space, acquiring sound equipment, shopping for supplies, creating posters and “curating a playlist for the dance.”

“It’s been a busy past week for sure,” she said, “but I am so grateful for my fellow team members, and I’m excited to see how it goes!”

In light of their desire to play with the contrasting nature of dusk and dawn, Stickles explained that the CC basement will be split in half with two different snack tables and photo booths. One side will highlight themes and colors of dusk and the other will do so of dawn. Stickles encourages attendees to pick a side, dressing fancy or casual, and match the corresponding color scheme “like Dawn-yellow, orange, pink and Dusk-blue, purple, black, etc.”

The hardest parts about preparing for the dance have been planning, estimating and staying under budget, Stickles said. Another CAB member, Aivery Shuck ‘26, noted that it’s hard to find a “suitable space for the dance as well as setting up all the decorations.” Shuck is the CAB Athletics Representative and assists with setting up the space, buying food and drinks, and “making sure everyone has a wonderful time!”

Although dancing was prohibited in Houghton University’s (formerly known as Houghton College) past, dance events are common now. Stickles described these dances as places where people may make new friendships and connections with other students. 

“Due to Houghton’s location, it can be difficult to find places to go out with friends,” Stickles expressed. “To help with this, dances pave the way for a safe and local option for people to have an incredibly fun night mingling and dancing with others.”

Shuck described the dances as “a chance to get together with friends and have a good time dancing, chatting, and getting lots of free snacks!” She said that the only expectation for attendees is to have fun.

“Houghton,” Stickles said, “is very focused on the importance of community and we want to bring students, from all areas, together for a night of dancing and mingling.”

“We hope to see you there!” Stickles added. ★

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Campus News

Rise of The Boulder

by Jiana Martin '26

For the past 100 years, The Boulder has been Houghton University’s (HU) yearbook. It was founded in 1924 and named in commemoration of a memorial boulder located across from Fancher Hall near the Houghton sign. The boulder marks the grave of Copperhead, the last Seneca man to live in Houghton, N.Y.

The Seneca tribe—a part of Allegany country’s original inhabitants— were forced from the Genesee Valley onto reservations during the Westward Expansion. Copperhead refused to leave because he claimed he was never paid for his land. He became a local icon and lived off charity until his death in 1864 at 120-years-old (he claimed). Copperhead was originally buried at the intersection of Centerville and Old River Road, but in 1910 his remains were moved to the top of campus when his burial site was beginning to be destroyed by the creek. As a proper memorial, Leonard Houghton (Willard J. Houghton’s son) donated the boulder that still sits there today.  

The Boulder was faithfully published by students for 91 consecutive years until 2015. Student involvement in the yearbook decreased and yearbooks were also absent for 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2022. In 2023, The Boulder was re-established by a group of students and made an official campus club. There was some pushback about re-starting the yearbook as involvement and sales have decreased over the past years. IBISWorld, a research firm, estimated a 4.7% decline in sales from yearbook publishing industries to schools. 

Despite the pushback, the dedicated yearbook staff created the 2024-2025 edition and is now working on the 2025-2026 edition. 

“The yearbook is how we treasure the memories that we make in college,” said Senior Jo Borges Edwards ‘25, the managerial editor of The Boulder. “Years from now, we might barely remember the members of our student organization or athletic team, but we will always be able to go to the yearbook to relive those memories.” 

The Boulder staff want all classes to be included, which is why although the “yearbook has historically been targeted toward seniors” Borges Edwards said that “since we [The Boulder staff] restarted the organization in Fall 2023, we have had the goal of making a yearbook that includes everyone because we are all Houghton.”

Zoe Zachery ‘27 (a managerial assistant) and Ethan Scally ‘27 (a member of the managerial team and photographer) also believe the yearbook is an important part of HU. 

“Life moves so quickly that sometimes we might forget about the little things that happen. By having a yearbook, we are given the chance to hold on to those memories and look back on them for years to come,” said Zachery.

Scally added that the yearbook “holds all the memories made on campus either with friends, at events, and/or just everyday life.”

It has been fulfilling for Borges Edwards to have the opportunity to put together people’s best memories. Zachery finds joy in the opportunity to form connections with various people she has not met before.

“I love taking pictures and getting them so that we, as a community and ‘family,’ have a memento of our times in college because, as they say, these are the best days of our life,” Scally reflected.

Help preserve Houghton memories by submitting your photos to The Boulder at boulder@houghton.edu. ★

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Christmas Arts and Craft Fair

by Kelsey Curtis ('27)

Each year, Houghton University holds a Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair in the final weeks of the fall semester. Vendors from surrounding areas will share their crafts in the Reinhold Campus Center (CC) next Friday. 

Although the University Community Engagement Center sponsors the event, student interns help organize it. This year’s interns include Rileigh Studley ‘25, Marjorie Gassler ‘25 and Lilly Turner ‘25.

Studley and Gassler highlighted a few changes to the fair from past years. First, Studley shared that student artists will be playing live music from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Although it is a small change, Studley believes it “will provide some extra holiday cheer for the craft fair.” 

Gassler emphasized a large change to the craft sale’s layout. She shared that in past years, to accommodate more vendors, some tables were placed in the CC basement. But unfortunately, they got a lot less traffic because not everyone realized there were more booths downstairs. This year, all vendors will be on the first floor of the CC so that everyone has an equal chance to see more customers. 

Gassler and Studley expressed excitement for the event, not only as planners but also as participants. Both agreed that the fair is a great way of bringing the community together, especially “to get local artists connected with students,” said Gassler. 

Studley added that it provides a way for “our student body to support local businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Gassler reflected that helping plan the fair was useful because it “is a great way for me to apply what I have learned in my interpersonal and organizational communication and social media marketing coursework.”

As students attending the fair, they are excited about different aspects of it. 

Studley said she looks forward to “listening to the Christmas music playing, sipping on a hot chocolate, and walking around looking at all of the cool products people have made!” 

Gassler finds the fair is a great place to do Christmas shopping and loves supporting local artists and other students.

This year, over 50 vendors are participating in the fair.  A vast variety of crafts will be sold “from baked goods to jewelry, to art, to alpaca socks” and “from pottery to baklava to goat’s milk skincare products.” 

Studley said it is their “hope that there will be something for everyone!” 

There will also be some student vendors located in the Encore Suite. Hannah Fish ‘27 will be a student vendor and expressed her excitement for the event. Fish began making ceramics in her senior year of high school and is excited to share what she’s made. She will sell mugs, garden planters, jewelry platters, “juice-box cups” and more. 

Fish also participated in the Harvestival Craft Sale this Fall, which was her first time having a table alone. She said that she was initially nervous, but “everyone [was] so supportive, excited, and curious” that it was hard to be anxious during the sale. 

“I’m making things I enjoy making,” Fish shared, “and I love Christmas and gift-giving so the fair helps me share unique handmade gifts, and I get to buy some too!” 

She hopes to continue participating in craft sales like those at HU.

The Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ★

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Christmas Prism Concert

by Aivery Schuck ('26)

It is that time of year again when Houghton University (HU) hosts the annual Christmas Prism Concert. So mark your calendars for this Friday and Saturday! 

Prism is a Houghton Christmas tradition that celebrates the festive season with music, joy and reflection. 

“The annual event started as a way to bring the community together to kick-off the Advent and Christmas season, with the intention to make the message of  Christ’s birth accessible to the larger community,” Senior Director of Community Engagement Phyllis Gaerte explained. She added that “Christmas is a time when many people are more open to the Gospel story than any other time of the year.”

It is a great opportunity for community members, Houghton students and people traveling from out of town to see the wonderful production conducted by HU’s music department. This year’s 2024 show is called “What Child Is This?” 

Emma Podobinski ‘27, a choir student participating in the concert, said that “Prism is a collective concert from many of the music ensembles on campus. You can expect many festive pieces from the choirs, orchestras, and smaller student groups! There will be some known and loved carols, but also some unique Christmas pieces! There will be scripture readings following the story of Christmas as well.” 

Audiences are invited to sing along to some pieces. 

All of the students and faculty participating in the show have been rehearsing in their individual ensembles long before the Christmas season even began. All of the performers have been working hard to prepare. 

Susannah Denham ‘26, a member of the Houghton choir, encourages audiences to “listen carefully to the words in the pieces being performed, and even in the carols you may be singing in the audience.”

“These lyrics are often rich and deep,” she added. 

Denham mentioned a verse in “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” that speaks about “erasing Adam’s image from us and being reinstated in Christ’s love.”  She added that even pieces with no lyrics “glorify God in their beauty and excellence.”

When asked how much the Prism concert impacts the Hougton community, Director of Student Engagement Jana Newberry said that “it is a beautiful moment in the typically hectic season, it calls us to slow down, despite all the work and effort that goes into the performance, and celebrate music and joy. Even if it’s just one night where we can sit and listen and participate in the true spirit of the Christmas season, it’s worth it!”

After Friday’s performance, the Campus Activities Board will be hosting the After Prism Gala in the Center for the Arts atrium from 9:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. ★

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Hymn Sing Returns

by Susannah Denham ('26)

In Fall of ’23, Mercy Seat hosted a hymn sing. 

Linden Foster ’27 described it as, “a group of roughly two dozen students, faculty, and community members. We sang a mix of contemporary and traditional hymns, some accompanied by Pastor [David] Huizenga on keyboard, and some sung acapella.” 

In addition, Dr. Benjamin Lipscomb mentioned, “People called out songs they wanted to try, and most of the time there was a critical mass of people who knew the songs well enough to bring the rest along.” Rhythm instruments (cajon and shakers) and a guitar were also available if anyone wanted to use them. 

Attendees appreciated how the event brought together people from all ages and different walks of life. Dr. Lipscomb described it as a beautiful intergenerational mix of older people, who were anchors of the Houghton community, and students.

Many people also learned new hymns or arrangements. Josephine Lipscomb ‘25, familiar with the Mennonite hymnals, was introduced to new hymns she didn’t know from the Wesleyan hymnal, and Joshua Armstrong ’26 remembered singing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” in a different way. Foster also appreciated singing a variety of hymns.

Mercy Seat Ministries runs several events throughout the semester, most notably “The Cry” (24 hours of worship in the Van Dyk Lounge the weekend before finals), and organizes weeknight worship on campus at 8 p.m. in the chapel basement. Led by a different team each night, the worship has a relaxed environment and small numbers.

This Monday, Mercy Seat Ministries will host another hymn sing in the chapel basement at 7:30 p.m. Similar to the previous year, two types of hymnals will be supplied: the Wesleyan hymnals used in chapel and hymnals recently used by Sojourners Mennonite Fellowship in Belfast, NY. 

“This isn’t what people might think of when they hear hymn sing,” explained Lipscomb, “we’re not sitting in pews singing along with an organ. We’re sitting in a circle, in an informal setting, singing songs you might usually hear led on an organ.”

Dr. Lipscomb noticed the responsibility for worship created during last year’s hymn sing. It was, “something that the smaller numbers and more intimate space (and lack of amplification) facilitated: we were in no way carried along by an act of worship that didn’t need us. 

“For better or worse, a message of much large-scale worship is, ‘the leaders will be up here worshiping; join in if you like.’ But if the people gathered in the undercroft that night hadn’t sung out, then the act of worship wouldn’t have happened. 

“That night’s worship was whatever we collectively made it: unpolished but vigorous in a way that often doesn’t happen when you’re leaning on the band,” he said.

Worship music genre (usually hymns vs. contemporary Christian music) is not a new debate in the Church. Mercy Seat does not want to continue that debate but offers multiple types and formats of worship in the Houghton community. There are benefits and drawbacks to different styles, and their hope is that students can create and find what helps them worship. 

Foster noted that worship preferences often depend on how people were brought up. 

“I was raised in a traditional church where we sang hymns accompanied by either organ or piano,” Foster said. “Because of this, I find it really difficult to connect with contemporary Christian music. From my point of view, hymns generally better represent orthodox theology in their text and are more straightforward to sing along to. I understand that many people were raised on contemporary and feel the same way about that style of music.”

One of the great appeals of hymnody is the history and tradition behind it. Armstrong believes that “hymns are a part of our past and we miss out on something when we neglect them.”

Mercy Seat encourages people to attend the hymn sing even if they are not familiar with hymns, are not comfortable sight reading music, or are not used to the environment. It’s important to try or at least experience different styles of worship music, though it may be a step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes it can be, as Dr. Lipscomb said, “good to have the responsibility pushed onto us.” ★

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Growing Housing Competition

by Taylor Pascoe ('26)

Due to the 10% growth in student attendance over the past two years, Houghton University’s upperclassmen housing will continue to become more competitive in the years to come. Housing demands have increased since the university experienced two larger incoming classes in 2023 and 2024. 

Currently, the university offers two men’s and two women’s dorm halls and townhouses adjacent to campus. Additionally, upperclassmen students have the option of off-campus living, which is based on availability and spots filled through renters in the nearby community. 

Townhouse residents live more independently. The townhouses offer 216 beds, with nearly 200 students filling them as of Fall 2024. Although townhouses are more commonly viewed as upperclassmen housing, some sophomores reside in the townhouses as well. Townhouses are based on availability and credit hours earned, making it more competitive to secure a house. 

Elena Esh ‘27 resides with sophomores in one of the Hazlett townhouses. Esh confirmed the competitive process and how her group secured a house. After missing the deadline, she heard of an opening with the requirement that they would need a full house of eight people to be considered. Esh and her friends sought out the remaining people they would need and applied. Shortly after, they were approved. 

Esh said that there were “multiple reasons” for her wanting to live in a townhouse. Due to having more people nearby, her own space and after having experienced a friend’s townhouse the previous year, it was overall “just a better experience.” 

Similar to townhouses where you live with other people and share common spaces, off-campus housing differs because you don’t choose who you live with. These spaces also don’t have the community-like feel that the townhouses bring with other student neighbors and specific townhouse events. 

Off-campus housing is approved by the school but is under an apartment renter’s ownership, meaning the student needs to contact the owner to see if spots are available. Per school policy, they offer 15-25 spots per year to students and who must have a minimum of 90 credits. This policy is set to encourage the majority of students to live on campus. 

Senior Tabitha Clark ‘24 is a resident of an off-campus housing apartment. Clark switched from townhouses to off-campus housing for different reasons, but mainly due to money and convenience. She said “It’s a lot cheaper” and “It’s closer to campus and I don’t have a car,” which made  the switch that much more appealing. 

The university used to offer the flats to upperclassmen as another option, but this stopped when enrollment decreased in the 2000s. Katie Breitigan, Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life and Housing, said the vision for having more exclusive upperclassmen housing is to offer students more “independent living” in their “different stages” of life as underclassmen and upperclassmen. She further said that upperclassmen housing is seen as more of a “launching for life” because it allows students to live more independently, which prepares them for life after college. 

When asked if she saw the upperclassmen housing options becoming more competitive in the future, Katie confirmed saying, “It’s already been competitive.” 

Students with 90 credits applying for off-campus will be at a disadvantage to any student who has more credits than them because those students will get first rights. Off-campus housing is highly competitive because students are competing with each other, faculty, community members and graduate students as well to get a spot. 

Although housing needs have changed, Katie confirmed that the townhouses and off-campus housing will continue to be available options for living and that the university is working to provide “consistent” living conditions for students. ★