2008 Woodie Awards
WSG prepares off-campus housing guide for students
Amy Eschenbach
Issue date: 4/16/08 Section: News
The Whitewater Student Government housing committee is working on a housing guide for UW-Whitewater students who live off campus.
The committee is headed by Sen. Dane Checolinski. Checolinski said the legislation is not just about holding landlords accountable but also the students.
"The issue won't go away until students prove they can live in this city respectfully," Checolinski said.
The program is about helping students have a better place to live while improving their image in the community.
"In order for things to improve, students have to show they are responsible, and respect their neighbor," Donna Henry, president of the Renters Association said.
The committee has created letter templates that will be available to students to communicate problems to the landlords appropriately.
UW-Whitewater student Kelli Slowey said she and her roommates used the templates provided by WSG when the roof of their Prairie Street home was leaking. They rent from Stettler Properties.
"They are a great resource," Slowey said.
A lawyer is also available free of charge for advice.
"He offered us good advice," Slowey said. "It was nice to talk to him, he is a good resource to go to."
The committee plans to put their checklist in the Royal Purple at the end of the semester so students have it when they move in to new rentals. Res Life is also going to help distribute information to students currently living in the residence halls.
The committee is working with WSG IT Director Ed Meier to get the Web site running as soon as possible. The Web site will have links and advice for students moving into new housing.
The legislation will secure a place for the program in the WSG standing rules and budget.
"Hopefully the senate next year will take it as seriously as we did," Harry Draayers said.
The program will cost $800 to run, which is about 7 cents per student added to tuition.
The committee recognizes there is more work to be done, and welcomes student opinion so the program can grow and become better.
"We've put in a lot of work, we are seeing it can be successful," Sarah Herlache said.
The program still has go to the Renters Association and the City Council before it is approved.
The committee is headed by Sen. Dane Checolinski. Checolinski said the legislation is not just about holding landlords accountable but also the students.
"The issue won't go away until students prove they can live in this city respectfully," Checolinski said.
The program is about helping students have a better place to live while improving their image in the community.
"In order for things to improve, students have to show they are responsible, and respect their neighbor," Donna Henry, president of the Renters Association said.
The committee has created letter templates that will be available to students to communicate problems to the landlords appropriately.
UW-Whitewater student Kelli Slowey said she and her roommates used the templates provided by WSG when the roof of their Prairie Street home was leaking. They rent from Stettler Properties.
"They are a great resource," Slowey said.
A lawyer is also available free of charge for advice.
"He offered us good advice," Slowey said. "It was nice to talk to him, he is a good resource to go to."
The committee plans to put their checklist in the Royal Purple at the end of the semester so students have it when they move in to new rentals. Res Life is also going to help distribute information to students currently living in the residence halls.
The committee is working with WSG IT Director Ed Meier to get the Web site running as soon as possible. The Web site will have links and advice for students moving into new housing.
The legislation will secure a place for the program in the WSG standing rules and budget.
"Hopefully the senate next year will take it as seriously as we did," Harry Draayers said.
The program will cost $800 to run, which is about 7 cents per student added to tuition.
The committee recognizes there is more work to be done, and welcomes student opinion so the program can grow and become better.
"We've put in a lot of work, we are seeing it can be successful," Sarah Herlache said.
The program still has go to the Renters Association and the City Council before it is approved.
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