Eastern Michigan University requests proposals for major upgrade to on-campus student housing facilities

The University seeks to improve facilities while retaining control of residential life operations

YPSILANTI – Following its strategic commitment to academic and personal success for its students, Eastern Michigan University is exploring partnership opportunities with third-party entities to upgrade its on-campus student housing facilities.

Eastern launched a comprehensive review of its campus student housing in 2018 as part of its long-term strategic planning. The process included soliciting input and analyzing feedback from Student Government, the University Budget Council, Faculty Senate and other campus stakeholders.

Careful consideration of the extensive written and verbal feedback from these parties shows that student housing upgrades are necessary for several reasons:

  • Nearly all of the University’s student housing facilities need substantial improvement. Of EMU’s 16 student housing facilities, 15 were built in 1969 or earlier. The majority of these facilities have not undergone major renovation in decades. As such, EMU’s student housing does not support the technology needs of today’s students. In the surveys, students expressed an interest in having more modern and convenient apartment-style living options on campus.
     
  • Lack of investment in student housing facilities disproportionately impacts students of color. The on-campus student housing population is more diverse than the overall University student population. For many of these students – including international students – EMU housing becomes their primary home, as shown by the high percentage of students who remain in on-campus housing during University shutdown periods such as the December break.
     
  • To keep pace with current student housing trends and to meet student demands, EMU’s peer institutions are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade their housing facilities. Well-designed student housing and support will help EMU remain competitive in attracting and retaining students. Failure to make these investments will put Eastern at a disadvantage for student recruitment and retention.

Eastern has limited options for investing the significant funds needed to upgrade even a fraction of its student housing facilities. Given these challenges, EMU is considering options beyond diverting current operating funds or borrowing funds. The most financially sustainable path to undertaking these upgrades is exploring partnership opportunities with third-party entities—similar to those pursued by peer institutions.

In June 2020, EMU issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit potential third-party partners. An RFQ Committee—made up of individuals from the University Budget Council, Faculty Senate, Housing & Residence Life, Facilities and Operations, Academic & Student Affairs, Business & Finance, and other areas—reviewed responses.

In April 2021, the committee submitted to EMU President James Smith a list of four firms with extensive experience in the construction, renovation and maintenance of student housing. In June 2021, President Smith issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the four firms.

“Looking at the challenges we face from a financial perspective—the investment needed to offer modern student facilities comparable to peer institutions—the scale is such that it makes sense to engage in a partnership with third-party firms,” says EMU Chief Financial Officer Mike Valdes, who is also a member of the RFQ committee. “We’re very pleased with the potential of all four firms. Each is very well-regarded with a lot of experience in the construction and management of facilities.”

Engaging in a third-party partnership will not involve privatization. Eastern will retain ownership of all student housing facilities and control over the residential life aspect of housing operations—including the hiring and supervising of resident advisors. The analysis of whether to replace or renovate a particular building and the type and number of units desired in future years would be undertaken by the University in partnership with the third-party entity.

“We’re seeking to engage in a true partnership,” Valdes says. “The University will receive the benefit of the contracting expertise of a larger entity, which translates into lower construction and maintenance costs. The partner firm can also provide input about current trends related to student housing design. At the same time, the University will maintain control of its very well-regarded residence life program.”

EMU expects to evaluate third-party proposals by October. A Selection Committee—including faculty and staff, with advisory input from Student Government—will make a recommendation to EMU President Smith, who will decide if that recommendation goes to the EMU Board of Regents for a final decision.

By issuing the RFP, Eastern has not made a final decision about whether to enter a third-party partnership or about the scope of any such partnership.

“The University is not in a position to move forward until it has the opportunity to review submitted proposals,” Valdes says. “The proposals need to be in the best interest of Eastern Michigan University. The overarching goal is to provide students with affordable, modern living accommodations, and to do so in a way that preserves the financial position of the University.”

To learn more about Eastern’s goals for student housing improvements, visit the Student Housing Planning website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

August 03, 2021

Written by:
Jeff Samoray

Media Contact:
Walter Kraft
wkraft@emich.edu
734.487.6895