Many University of Memphis students tired of having theircomplaints about dorms and food fall on deaf ears have been given achance to be heard, said University officials.
A survey e-mailed to U of M students will be used in an effortto improve and expand The University's housing facilities," saidDaniel Armitage, associate dean of students.
The survey marks the beginning of a 20-year plan to improvecampus life for students living on campus, said Peter Groenendyk,associate director of Residence Life.
"We have hired the same consulting firm, as the UniversityCenter, and they are helping us set up a master plan for housing,"Groenendyk said.
There are no definite plans for student housing. The consultingfirm is doing a building inventory and a market analysis.
"The company's plan is still in the beginning stages,"Groenendyk said.
The survey has 39 questions, give or take a few depending onwhether the student lives on campus or off. Along with the variousdemographic questions, the survey asks for students' personalpreferences and what influences their choices to live on or offcampus. No. 30-33 on the survey ask students for academicinformation, such as ACT/SAT scores and high school and collegeGPAs.
"I'm guessing they are trying to profile who we have on campusand find out how we can attract other types of students,"Groenendyk said.
Residence Life has added an "incentive" for students to take thesurvey. Any student who completes the survey can enter a drawing towin one of four prizes, ranging from $50 to $250 in giftcertificates at Oak Court Mall.
"We are trying to encourage students to participate," Groenendyksaid. "We need to hear from all of the students, as many of them aspossible."
Francis Smith, sophomore education major, has filled out thesurvey. Smith is a on campus resident and said she will continue tolive on campus next year.
"I took the survey because it only took a few minutes, and Iwant to know that I gave my opinion," Smith, 19, said.
Smith said she offered a few of her own suggestions andcomments, along with answering the questions intended forresidents.
"I want more control over the air conditioner and heater in myroom. I think it should be a personalized system," Smith said.
Smith also said the computer lab in her building needs a lot ofwork.
"I want to be able to type and print all at once," Smithsaid.
"I think the survey is a good idea; and I hope they take ourfeelings seriously."
The survey is available online at www.facilityplanners.com/survey/Memphis/housing.It is available online to all students who wish to voiceconcerns.
