Stratford Heights to Join UC Housing

Beginning fall quarter 2009, the University of Cincinnati’s housing division is taking control of the management responsibilities of Stratford Heights.

The university plans to begin contracting units this month, according to Todd Duncan, director of University Housing and Food Services.

“It was evident that we were not going to meet the required occupancy needed to operate Stratford Heights,” said Shirlie Scherzinger, district manager of Eagle Realty – the group currently managing Stratford Heights. “We’re under where we need to be for the year so we’re working closely with the university.”

Eagle Realty has notified all Stratford Heights residents of the upcoming change in management. Also, Eagle Realty will not be leasing units for the next academic year.

Instead, students will have to go through the university housing Web site for leasing information, according to Scherzinger.

Within the current system, housing for students at Stratford Heights is limited to those who live within a 50-mile radius of the university. When university housing takes over, those limitations will be lifted, according to Scherzinger.

“I think it’s going to enrich the overall college experience with students from all over able to lease out a unit,” Scherzinger said. “We’re really looking at it from a positive perspective.”
One thing put in question is the fate of the three fraternities and one sorority located in the complex and whether or not they will have to be relocated.

“The University of Cincinnati is committed to keeping all affinity groups at their current locations,” Scherzinger said.

Duncan concurred with Scherzinger.

“The University of Cincinnati desires for the current chapters, three fraternities and one sorority, to continue their relationship with Stratford Heights,” Duncan said.

There are several appealing aspects for students who wish to lease a unit at Stratford Heights, including privacy, independence and the privilege of possessing alcohol in their units. Currently, the university will be reviewing Stratford Height’s alcohol policy.

“Currently alcohol is permitted in Schneider Hall and [Campus Recreation Center] housing by students who are of legal age to possess and consume alcohol,” Duncan said. “The alcohol policy for Stratford Heights and specific areas within Stratford Heights are under review. The University Code of Conduct will apply to Stratford Heights.”

There will be a negligible effect on the university’s operating costs as, historically, the university has provided financial support to Stratford Heights and will continue to do so, Duncan said.

As a result of the university taking over management responsibilities, the application and assignment process will be conducted via the online process of Housing & Food Services and the Stratford Heights housing charges will be a part of the student billing process of the University, according to Duncan.

Students will also be provided with university services such as Resident Education and Development and Public Safety.

The traditional English-style Tudor neighborhood first opened in fall 2005 as part of the University of Cincinnati’s attempt to re-develop the surrounding areas of campus. In addition to Stratford Heights, University Park Apartments (UPA), located on Calhoun Street, as well as McMillan Manor, located on McMillan Avenue, were constructed to serve the same purpose.

UPA will not be affected by the university’s housing division management take over of Stratford Heights, according to Lindsay Miller, leasing manager of UPA.