Student Accommodation

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Student Accommodation

August 1, 2025
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ENR (December 7, 2023) University of Michigan Signs P3 for $631M Student Housing Project

Harvard University Dormitory Room | Smithsonian Museum | Thomas Warren Sears Collection

Today we break down public consultation notices for literature that sets the standard of care for the safety and sustainability of student housing in K-12 prep schools, colleges and universities.  We deal with off-campus housing in a separate session because it involves local safety and sustainability regulations; most of which are derived from residential housing codes and standards.

Monograph: The Case for Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing

The topic cuts across many disciplines and standards setting organization bibliographies. We usually set our bearing with the following titles:

2021 International Building Code: Section 310 Residential Group R-2 + related titles such as the IFC, IMC, IPC, IECC

2021 Fire Code: Chapter 6 Classification of Occupancy  + related titles such as NFPA 70B, NFPA 72 and NFPA 110

2023 National Electrical Code: Articles 210-230 + related Articles 110 and 410

ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings: Annex G

Like any other classification of real property the average cost for room and board for a public university student dormitory depends on several factors such as the location of the university, the type of dormitory, and the meal plan options.  According to the College Board, the average cost of room and board for the 2021-2022 academic year at a public four-year in-state institution was $11,620. However, this figure can range from around $7,000 to $16,000 or more depending on the specific institution and its location.   It’s important to note that this average cost only includes the basic meal plan and standard dormitory room. Students may also have additional costs for a larger or more luxurious dorm room, a premium meal plan, or other expenses such as laundry or parking fees.   

According to ring Rider Levett Bucknall, a global property and construction consultancy firm, the average construction cost for a student housing facility in the United States in 2021 was around $202 per square foot. However, this figure can range from around $150 to $300 per square foot or more depending on the specific project.  Life cycle cost for new facilities with tricked out net-zero gadgets is hard to come by at the moment.

Because money flows freely through this domain we examine scalable densities and the nature of money flow patterns; partially tracked by the Electronic Municipal Market Access always on the standing agenda of our Finance colloquium.

More

National Institute of Standards & Technology: The Character of Residential Cooktop Fires

Deserted College Dorms Sow Trouble for $14 Billion in Muni Bonds

Dormitory, Fraternity, Sorority and Barrack Structure Fires

Here are a few pros and cons of private sector construction of university-owned student housing:

Pros:

  1. Increased housing availability: Private sector developers may be able to build more student housing units than a university could build on its own, which can help to alleviate the shortage of on-campus housing for students.
  2. Faster construction: Private developers may be able to complete construction projects faster than universities, which can help to reduce the amount of time that students must wait for new housing options.
  3. Reduced financial burden on the university: The cost of building and maintaining student housing can be significant, and private sector developers may be willing to bear some of these costs. This can help to reduce the financial burden on the university and free up resources for other initiatives.
  4. Professional management: Private developers may have more experience managing large housing projects and may be able to provide more professional management services than a university could provide on its own.

Cons:

  1. Higher costs for students: Private developers may charge higher rents than a university would charge for student housing, which can make housing less affordable for some students.
  2. Reduced university control: Private developers may have different priorities than a university would have when it comes to building and managing student housing. This can lead to a reduced level of control for the university over housing quality, management, and policies.
  3. Potential conflicts of interest: Private developers may be more focused on making a profit than on meeting the needs of students or the university, which can create potential conflicts of interest.
  4. Less transparency: Private developers may not be subject to the same level of transparency and accountability as a university would be when it comes to housing policies, decision-making processes, and financial management.

It’s important to note that these pros and cons may vary depending on the specific circumstances and context of each individual university and private sector partnership.


Gallery: Off-Campus Accommodation

“Summer Suns Are Glowing”

July 31, 2025
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Ruth 1 | King James Version

Written by William Walsham How in 1871 for the Church Hymns collection, this Christian standard is a celebration of God’s creation and love, set to the tune “Ruth” by Samuel Smith (1865). How, an Anglican bishop known for his pastoral work, crafted the hymn to reflect the joy of summer, with its vibrant imagery of glowing suns, flowing light, and nature’s voices uniting in praise.

The hymn’s four stanzas emphasize God’s mercy, eternal love, and guidance through life’s challenges, urging steadfast faith even in dark times. Its meaning centers on gratitude for divine providence, the beauty of creation, and trust in God’s presence, with the final stanza affirming hope in eternal light.

Published in over 239 hymnals, it remains a cherished expression of summer’s warmth and spiritual reassurance.

Akua Akyere Memorial Youth Choir


KANM Student Radio

July 30, 2025
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KANM Student Radio, founded in 1973 at Texas A&M University, began as Student Government Radio, broadcasting via cable on 107.5 FM in partnership with Mid-West Video Corporation. Initially airing from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays, it offered diverse genres like hard rock and country. Despite early financial struggles, accumulating $5,783.64 in debt by 1977, KANM grew its influence through the 1970s and 1980s, facing technical issues like outages in 1978 and 1979.

It became independent in the 1980s, moving to the Pavilion complex in 1983 with equipment donations. KANM pioneered online streaming in 1998, transitioning to online-only by the mid-2010s. In 2024, it secured a low-power FM permit (KAGZ-LP 95.5 FM), marking a return to airwaves. Now located in the Memorial Student Center, KANM remains student-run, promoting non-commercial music and hosting events like the bi-annual “Save the Music” concert.

CLICK HERE to listen live

 

Donor Control & Influence

July 30, 2025
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“The Architect’s Dream” 1840 Thomas Cole

In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, charitable donations to U.S. colleges and universities amounted to $58 billion.  This figure represents a slight decline of 2.5% from the previous year’s record of $59.5 billion, but it remains the second-highest level of donations in history​ (CASE)​​ (Inside Higher Ed)​.   This figure includes money donated for new building projects and other capital expenses.

Some benefactors contribute to the lifecycle upkeep of buildings they help fund. These contributions often come in the form of endowed funds specifically designated for the maintenance, repair, and renovation of facilities. Such endowments are crucial as they provide a continuous source of funding to ensure that buildings remain functional and in good condition over time.

CASE Global Reporting Standards

Charitable giving to colleges and universities in the U.S. is governed by a range of standards and best practices designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. These standards help donors, institutions, and the public understand and manage the complexities of philanthropic contributions. Key standards include:

  1. Donor Intent and Restrictions:
    • Documentation: Donor intent should be clearly documented in gift agreements or endowment contracts to ensure funds are used as intended.
    • Restrictions: Restrictions on the use of funds must be explicitly stated and agreed upon by both the donor and the institution. These can include specific programs, scholarships, research, or infrastructure projects.
  2. Transparency and Reporting:
    • Annual Reports: Institutions should provide detailed annual reports on how donated funds are being utilized, including breakdowns of expenditures and outcomes.
    • Stewardship Reports: For major gifts or endowments, institutions often provide personalized stewardship reports to donors, detailing the impact of their contributions.
  3. Governance and Oversight:
    • Board Oversight: Boards of trustees or equivalent governing bodies should oversee fundraising practices and the management of donated funds.
    • Audit and Compliance: Regular audits and compliance checks should be conducted to ensure adherence to donor restrictions and institutional policies.
  4. Ethical Fundraising Practices:
    • Professional Standards: Fundraisers and development officers should adhere to ethical standards set by professional organizations such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
    • Confidentiality and Respect: Institutions must respect donor confidentiality and handle all interactions with integrity and respect.
  5. Tax and Legal Considerations:
    • IRS Regulations: Donations must comply with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to qualify for tax deductions. This includes proper documentation of gifts and adherence to rules regarding charitable contributions.
    • 501(c)(3) Status: Colleges and universities must maintain their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which requires adherence to various federal and state laws governing charitable organizations.
  6. Gift Acceptance Policies:
    • Policy Framework: Institutions should have clear gift acceptance policies outlining the types of gifts they can accept, including cash, securities, real estate, and in-kind contributions.
    • Review and Approval: Complex or potentially problematic gifts should be reviewed by a gift acceptance committee or similar body to assess risks and alignment with institutional priorities.
  7. Endowment Management:
    • Spending Policies: Endowments should have spending policies that balance the need for current income with the preservation of principal to ensure long-term sustainability.
    • Investment Strategies: Institutions should adopt prudent investment strategies for their endowments, often guided by the principles of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA).
  8. Recognition and Acknowledgment:
    • Donor Recognition: Institutions should have systems in place to appropriately recognize and thank donors, which can include naming opportunities, public acknowledgments, and donor recognition societies.
    • Acknowledgment Letters: Prompt and accurate acknowledgment letters should be sent to donors, including the necessary information for tax purposes.

By adhering to these standards, colleges and universities can effectively manage charitable contributions, ensuring that donor intent is honored, funds are used appropriately, and the institution maintains trust and credibility with its supporters and the broader public.

“Ten Books on Architecture” 30-20 B.C | Vitruvius

No single charitable organization claims hegemony over all others in the realm of charitable giving to U.S. universities but there are a others in the domain. 

  1. Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP):
    • Role: AFP is a professional association that supports fundraisers through education, training, and advocacy. It serves a wide range of nonprofit sectors, including higher education.
    • Ethical Standards: AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards and Donor Bill of Rights are widely recognized and adopted by fundraising professionals in higher education.
  2. National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO):
    • Role: NACUBO represents chief business and financial officers through advocacy, professional development, and research.
    • Financial Management: It provides guidance on the financial management of gifts, endowments, and other resources critical to higher education institutions.
  3. Council on Foundations:
    • Role: This membership organization supports grantmaking foundations in the U.S., including those that fund higher education.
    • Philanthropic Guidance: It offers legal resources, best practices, and networking opportunities for foundations that support colleges and universities.
  4. Charity Navigator and Guidestar (Candid):
    • Role: These organizations evaluate and rate nonprofits, including higher education institutions, based on their financial health, accountability, and transparency.
    • Public Accountability: By providing ratings and financial data, they help donors make informed decisions about their contributions to colleges and universities.
  5. Internal Revenue Service (IRS):
    • Role: As the federal tax authority, the IRS oversees the tax-exempt status of educational institutions and enforces compliance with laws governing charitable contributions.
    • Regulations: The IRS provides guidelines and requirements for tax-deductible donations, ensuring legal compliance in charitable giving.

 

Gallery: School Bond Referenda

July 30, 2025
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In terms of total spend, the US elementary and secondary school industry is about twice the size of the higher education industry according to IBISWorld. About $100 billion is in play every year for both (which we cover during our Ædificare colloquia); with higher education spending only half of what elementary and secondary school systems spend on facilities.

Note that some districts are including construction for faculty housing.

Our focus remains on applying global standard to create educational settlements that are safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting — not on the hurly-burly of local school bond elections.  We recommend consulting the coverage in American School & University for more detailed and more timely information.




“FDSC 4300: The Science and Technology of Beer”

July 29, 2025
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Professor Karl Siebert, who teaches FDSC 4300, The Science and Technology of Beer, demonstrates how to properly pour a beer and discusses the sensory experience of beer appreciation. In a recent study, Siebert identified the key component in a ‘perfect’ head of beer: a barley protein known as Lipid Transport Protein 1 or LPT1.

The Pause

July 28, 2025
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Standards Minnesota | St. Olaf College Net Position $1.185BFacilities

St. Olaf College | Dakota County Minnesota

The Lion’s Pause, often simply called “The Pause,” is a fond, student-run café and social space located in Buntrock Commons at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Its origins date back to the 1960s when students recognized the need for a dedicated recreational and social hub on campus. The name “Lion’s Pause” reflects the college’s mascot, the lion, symbolizing school pride and community spirit.

Over the decades, The Pause has grown into a multifunctional venue, serving as a café, dining spot, and event space. It offers a range of casual foods like its iconic pizza, snacks, and beverages, all prepared and served by student workers. Beyond dining, The Pause plays a vital role in campus life by hosting concerts, dances, movie nights, open mic events, and other activities, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for the St. Olaf community.

Richard Wolff: How Socialists Win in Farm Areas

200: Norway & North America

Boe Chapel

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Sinclair Lewis, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale, Jesse Ventura, Al Franken, Tim Walz, Ilhan Omar

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