In 2019, Grand Valley State University (GVSU), a public-liberal arts university in Michigan, engaged Scion Advisory Services along with Envision Strategies to conduct a Housing and Dining Master Plan study to assess and enhance the university’s housing and dining operations. The study focused on simplifying the housing rate structure to improve equity, evaluating the residential facilities, and addressing concerns about student satisfaction with on-campus living. GVSU sought to ensure its housing offerings aligned with institutional priorities while remaining competitive and financially sustainable. The project included extensive student and stakeholder engagement, with surveys, focus groups, and market analysis guiding the recommendations.
Scion’s findings highlighted several key challenges, including a housing rate structure that disproportionately impacted students from lower-income backgrounds and a need for significant capital investment in aging residence halls. Additionally, students reported a low sense of belonging, citing insufficient programming, staffing limitations, and limited weekend services as key concerns. The study confirmed that renovations to some of the aging facilities alone would not yield a substantial improvement in student satisfaction, prompting the need for a broader strategy to address housing quality and student experience.
To address these challenges, Scion recommended a simplified and more transparent housing rate structure, ensuring affordability and equitable access. Additionally, options for aging facilities ranged from minimal renovations to full replacement, with investment decisions guided by long-term institutional goals. Enhancements to student engagement programs expanded campus life activities, and improved housing operations were also advised to foster a stronger residential community. Since the study, GVSU has begun implementing several of these recommendations, with initial steps including a revised housing rate structure and expanded student programming efforts to enhance the on-campus experience.