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Requesting Journalist: Bex Heimbrock

Respondent: Gina Zandy Ohnstad, Vice President for Communications

The possibility of expanding the housing requirement at Whitman is on the agenda for discussion for one committee at the upcoming meetings with Whitman’s Board of Trustees. This is not a motion, and it is not a discussion that is going to a vote of any kind in this meeting. It is a conversation that we are opening with the board for their input, and we would then have discussions on campus in the fall. It is also important to point out that any change to housing requirements would not apply to students currently on campus. Students currently on campus will continue to fulfill the 2-year housing requirement. Any potential change would affect next year’s incoming class – the Class of 2029. 

Expanding the housing requirement has come up frequently in recent years, as Walla Walla’s housing market has become increasingly competitive and as the college has invested in more housing for all students – starting with the addition of Stanton Hall in 2017, the Junior-Senior Village to open in August, as well as the addition of dozens of off-campus rental acquisitions. 

³Ô¹ÏÍø believes strongly that the residential living experience is integral to student growth and the sense of community and belonging. Being able to offer additional housing options to juniors and seniors will help remove some of the barriers those students experience and will have a positive effect on student success.

Whitman is also fortunate to be able to offer such a wide range of college-owned housing options to students, including traditional residence halls, interest houses, the new housing village, off-campus rental houses, fraternity houses, College House, and the Co-Op. The variety we offer students is fairly unique and provides students lots of flexibility if they remain in Whitman housing for the duration of their time at Whitman.

Based on the discussion and feedback from the committee next week, the proposal could go to the full board for a final vote in the future, but there would certainly be discussion with the campus community before any decision was made. Those discussions would include the Class of 2029 who would not see any potential impacts until 2028. Another outcome of the committee discussion could be the request for further information and a return of the topic to committee in the fall.