Revitalizing Campus Community

University Village Q&A

  1. Why sell this sought-after residential living space?
    As part of APU’s ongoing assessment with careful attention to enrollment trends and optimizing our operations, it became clear that we are underutilizing our living areas, including University Village. As a result, the university intends to focus our efforts on improving the residential experience on East Campus. As University Village lies outside of the East Campus property, its sale is the best option for shifting our residential offerings to better meet our student body’s needs. 
  2. Will juniors and seniors have access to apartment-style campus housing?
    Juniors and seniors will be given priority for the Shire Mods as well as Engstrom Hall. The Shire Mods have recently been refurbished and offer spacious apartment-style living. Engstrom Hall offers in-suite restrooms, and each room has an in-suite vanity and sink to allow for more privacy. We hope most students will continue living in campus housing and are excited about a renewed and vibrant living experience on East Campus. The internal housing lottery for upperclassmen will determine who will receive these spaces. We are discontinuing the housing renewal option so that all students have the same opportunity for these spaces.
  3. When will University Village residents need to move?
    We are committed to ensuring the transition takes place following the conclusion of the spring semester. As more than 85% of our community leaves for the summer, this is the best time to make this transition.
  4. Is there enough on-campus housing to accommodate students?
    Based on current enrollment trends and retention rates, we anticipate that our housing options will fully support our undergraduate student population.
  5. Can students still request private bedrooms?
    While students can still request private bedrooms, we anticipate these will be very limited going forward. Priority for private bedrooms will be given to students requesting disability accommodations and based on the outcome of the internal lottery process. Post pandemic, the private bedroom option has become popular, but this has impacted community and relationship building. Students become more resilient and form lasting friendships while living in community. Living with roommates is an important part of the collegiate residential experience.
  6. Are there planned upgrades to existing on-campus housing?
    Yes. The university intends to invest part of the proceeds from the sale of University Village into new and existing academic program development as well as enhancements to the on-campus living areas and common spaces. Residence Life and Facilities Management are working together to assess plans for upgrading these spaces in summer 2025, before students return for Fall 2025. In fact, we’re transforming your campus experience with beautifully refreshed lounges; modern room upgrades featuring new countertops, cabinets, and carpet; outdoor and recreational spaces; added technology and multi-use TV screens on each floor of residence halls; increased social events and programming; and other campus amenities that contribute to a stronger sense of belonging within our community.
  7. What will this decision do to the price of housing?
    Housing rates for the following year are generally determined early in the fall semester and were set before this decision was made. However, in light of this change, APU will offer a housing discount of 15% per semester next year for all current residential students who will be moving into their junior or senior years. This equates to a 15% savings of up to $995 for the year, depending on your room assignment.

    In addition, current residents moving into their junior or senior years who are assigned to a residence hall where a minimum Plan C meal plan is required, will be eligible to receive a discounted Plan C+ Meal Plan, a $460 value with added flexibility. Students will benefit from our new dining services partner, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, an industry leader known for culinary innovation that emphasizes fresh, healthy options. 

    *Juniors and seniors are not defined by academic standing, rather by years in college
  8. Will the graduate housing program continue?
    Unfortunately, there will be no specific graduate housing program moving forward. While we understand that most of our current graduate residents will likely pursue options off campus that have amenities similar to that of University Village, we do plan to offer any current graduate housing resident the East Campus housing options for next year, should they choose to remain in campus housing. These current graduate residents will be a part of the internal housing lottery for undergraduate juniors and seniors and will be eligible for the Shire Mods or Engstrom Hall.
  9. How does this impact summer housing?
    Any current University Village resident who requests summer housing will remain in their same unit for the summer. We have received special permission to make this accommodation, with two conditions: First, all remaining students will need to move out by the end of July, without exception. Second, if APU closes escrow with a buyer before the end of July, some students may be asked to move to a different apartment to consolidate our footprint and open up more buildings for any renovation work that the new owners may wish to begin. Any request to do so will come with 30-days notice.

    Any student not already living in University Village will be assigned to either the Shire Mods (for those staying all summer) or Trinity Hall (for those staying for the first five weeks or less). No one will move into University Village for the summer.
  10. How is the sale of University Village a strategic benefit?
    One indicator of a healthy organization is the ability to analyze data and trends and make decisions that will impact the organization in positive ways for years to come. This strategic decision reflects a desire to maximize our housing portfolio in the most efficient way for our current and future students, advancing APU’s vision to create a new model for Christian higher education. This sale will bolster the university’s financial footing, underwrite the launch of new and existing academic programs, continue to revitalize campus, and improve the residential experience on East Campus.
  11. What programs or amenities will be added to build a greater campus community?
    In partnership with APU’s administration, Facilities Management and Residence Life are solidifying these plans. APU will look at ways to create fun, communal spaces in and around the residence halls as well as continue to upgrade the aesthetics and offerings of the remaining living areas. In recent years, APU has made significant upgrades to Adams Hall, Trinity Hall, and the Shire Mods, and will build on that momentum moving forward.