Colleges and universities and their respective housing departments regularly enter strategic alliances to improve effectiveness and efficiency, mitigate risks, and develop a competitive edge. In all these cases, the arrangements allow parties to work toward common goals.
While not without challenges, tremendous opportunities exist within these partnerships. Increasing the likelihood of success requires research and preparation, developing an agreement that is fiscally sound and clear in scope, and developing contingency plans.
In the future, thriving campus housing departments will focus on being a vital part of their institutions and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need. Housing and residence life will be in alignment with the mission of their institutions. Housing must also recognize the importance of working with the faculty in graduate preparation programs to balance theory and practice. Doing so will improve the preparedness and longevity of student affairs practitioners as well as the effectiveness of their programs and operations.
