Despite an expected record fall enrollment and the current demolition of McCord Hall, which housed about 500 beds, the Office of Housing announced recently it has found adequate housing for all requesting students, while raising rent at all three university-owned apartment complexes.

“We’ve got everyone a bed,” said Earl Wright, director of the Office of Housing.

Wright said with University Village, now fully open, prevented a repeat of last year’s housing overload, which required Housing to temporarily house students in area hotels. Last year, the construction of University Village faced significant delays and was nearly halted because of fire safety issues and excessive rain.

“We’re excited to have a big year. We appreciate the cooperation of the students and the parents,” Wright said.

Despite an apparent lack of problems, as opposed to last year, some males will still be housed in Clement Hall.

“[Housing students in Clement Hall] seems to be going well this year,” he added.

For the first time, sophomores having at least 30 hours and in good academic standing, will no longer have to pay a $500 “buy-out” fee to live off campus.

“One of the reasons is lack of space,” said Wright, “We’ll see how the program works. If everything works well, we hope to continue it.”

Additionally, Housing has raised rent at university apartments. Wright cites rising energy and other costs as the culprit.

“It’s just a lot of the things that we deal with go up,” Wright said. However, Wright says that UTM’s apartments, and housing in general, are some of the cheapest among other regional universities.

“It’s wonderful to have everyone back. We’re trying to get everyone settled to where they can be happy.”