Akron, Ohio, December 13, 2006 - Today, as part of a continuing effort to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for students at The University of Akron, University President Luis M. Proenza outlined enhanced procedures for processing new residence hall applicants. President Proenza's announcement that the new housing practices will go into effect immediately was made at the University's Board of Trustees Meeting earlier today.
According to Dr. Proenza, the changes include:
-- Age as a consideration when making individual room assignments. If roommate age differential is greater than five years, Office of Residence Life and Housing staff members will consult with each roommate individually to determine his or her comfort level with and preference for the proposed arrangement.
-- Housing contracts will require the self-disclosure of criminal offenses, other than minor traffic violations.
-- Housing contracts will include student authorization for the University to conduct a criminal background check as needed to verify information provided in the housing contract.
At The University of Akron's October 2006 Board Meeting, board members approved the policy of requiring criminal background checks of residence life and housing employees that would result in disqualifying individuals from employment in the residence halls who have certain criminal histories, such as a felony record, certain sex, drug or theft offenses, or offenses of violence.
"With prior knowledge of a criminal background, we can assess each situation individually regarding the decision to grant a housing contract," Proenza said. "The changes we are making will further enhance the safety and the appeal of our excellent residence hall program. Since 2001, our Office of Residence Life and Housing has received more than 30 national and regional awards."
