WSSU Students Concerned with Off- Campus Housing Conditions

Winston-Salem, N.C. — With a new wave of incoming students now moving into their homes, The Station Townhomes, formerly known as Deacon’s Station, faces challenges pertaining to maintenance and upkeep, pushing to reiterate the standards upheld by Winston-Salem State University for off-campus housing. Many residents, unsure whether buildings were under maintenance or ready for move-in, became concerned when their rooms and spaces were not adequate for moving, causing some students to be sent to hotels for their first few days of the new school year. Panic arose among parents and students as they were unaware of where to go to resolve or find answers to these issues. As described by graduate student Edward Garland: “You almost have to go tit for tat and wait to see what can be brought in and what will stay home, in case you don’t have room or the space to hold it once you get there.” Accountability for The Station’s maintenance issues does not fall solely on the school or the complex, but rather on a team effort between both parties. “Changes will be made. The clubhouse will be updated, and we will move to phases as far as painting and updating equipment in the gym and updating the computer lab,” states Property Manager Kendrick Portee. Current Coordinator of Residential Student Leadership and Director of Off-Campus Housing, Chevon Jefferson, emphasizes the importance of communication between students, parents, and management to make necessary changes for better learning environments and student success. “We must be knowledgeable on how The Station’s processes work in alliance with WSSU standards to ensure the happiness and success of the residents currently housed at The Station.”