Hudson Valley Community College recently learned of new leasing policies being implemented by College Suites at Hudson Valley. Based on student reports, those policies may prohibit apartment lease renewal and new lease agreements for Hudson Valley students for the fall semester. We have reached out to the owners and managers of College Suites to discuss our students’ concerns, and our community should be aware of the information we have at this time.
In 2016, Hudson Valley Community College sold 41 acres of property at the corner of Morrison and Vandenburgh avenues to the United Group for the purpose of developing privately-owned and managed student housing.
As a result, the United Group opened College Suites in August 2017, and hundreds of Hudson Valley students have since enjoyed the opportunity to live there, close to where they learn and with a small number of students from other colleges and universities throughout the region.
Though College Suites is an independent organization not affiliated with Hudson Valley, we always imagined that our students would continue to have the opportunity to live in their housing complex. We were not informed of any plan that would prevent them from doing so this fall.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic required the college to move the majority of coursework to online and remote formats for the fall semester, we estimate that approximately 20 to 25 students could be affected by new leasing policies at College Suites. Nevertheless, we will do everything we can to assist our students in securing new housing and to provide financial relief at this difficult time, if necessary.
The college is taking the following actions to support those who may be affected by College Suites leasing policies:
- Every student who lived at College Suites during the past academic year will be contacted to determine residency plans for the fall semester and to learn about related college support services.
- Students will be encouraged to apply for CARES Act and Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Student Emergency Assistance funds if necessary. These relief funds may offset costs associated with moving, making a deposit for a new apartment or related to financial hardship they are now experiencing. Our counselors will assist students in completing the application for funds and in addressing any questions they may have.
- Though Hudson Valley does not own any dormitories or apartments, we are actively discussing alternative housing arrangements with local apartment complexes and landlords with the goal of assisting students in making immediate housing arrangements. College staff members working in Student Activities will act as housing coordinators and assist students in locating and securing nearby independent housing options.
The college remains deeply committed to providing any necessary support services to assist students, especially at this challenging time.
Louis Coplin
Vice President for Student Affairs
Published: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:05:53 +0000 by l.coplin