Additions to housing website offer new options
Bob Jones
Issue date: 3/1/02 Section: News
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All student housing needs can now be addressed online. This has been made possible through a partnership between university housing and Place Properties.
Marc Booker, director of housing, explained that the university had been searching for a more convenient way for students to apply for university housing and to change their housing assignments. Place Properties, a construction and property management company who manages UTC Place, initially developed the Webroomz system, now being used by UTC. The university's partnership with Place Properties is unique for both, as it is a nearly seamless blend of two separate entities.
"Through the use of the Webroomz program, UTC is the first university in the world to make collegiate housing reservations available online to students [at all times]," said Booker. "The development of this system uses the best of cutting-edge technology while still retaining the strength of the previously used preference system."
Booker also explained that, as with any new website, a few minor glitches did occur but were corrected within hours of starting operation.
From the website, students can complete an array of applications and reassignment tasks. The site allows students to apply for housing, indicate housing preferences and request roommates. The roommate search can also be completed by filling out a questionnaire and allowing the system to match potential roommates based on their profiles.
Another great feature is the ability to pay all housing fees at the site.
"The goal of this website is to streamline this whole process and enhance customer service for the student," said Booker.
Students seem to be positive about the new application process.
"The new website is fast and easy to understand. I like the twenty-four hour availability and the option it gives you of choosing and locking in your roommates," said Paige Watkins, a Chattanooga junior. "It was hassle-free — a great way to eliminate extra paperwork for me."
To allow for fairness within the housing system, "priority points" are given to students based on a variety of factors. Points are never deducted from a student within the system and the sooner students apply, the greater potential there is for achieving maximum points. The points available to students are related to completing specific tasks. A table breaking down the point totals is available at the website.
"The online housing site is very easy to use. At first, I ran into a couple glitches, but they were minor and the housing office was able to clear them up very quickly," said Dustin Frye, a St. Mary, Ga., junior. "The points system is a fair way to give everyone a chance at obtaining their housing choices."
As before, the site gives a comprehensive breakdown of rental fees and floor plans and explains which students may be assigned to which buildings. The housing visitation policies are also listed. Providing an e-mail address to Webroomz allows the site to send reminders to help with housing applications and reservations.
About the site as a whole, Booker said, "[It] will make the housing process easier for both students and the housing office. It is a win-win situation all the way around."
