Serving university students who live off-campus puts Kristen Franklin in a unique position. Yes, she works closely with the highly regarded research institution her residents attend. But her team also has the freedom to individualize their services and work independently. So, what are the pros and cons of this arrangement when a global pandemic closes the campus and takes classes virtual?

Kristen is COCM’s Director of Operations at Nine East 33rd, a high-end apartment complex that houses students from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to her work with Capstone, Kristen served as Associated Director of Housing at The George Washington University and Community Director at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She has 10-plus years of experience in higher education and student affairs, and Kristen holds a Master’s in Educational Policy & Leadership from Marquette University.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Kristen joins guest host Alton Irwin to explain how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her residents at Nine East 33rd. She describes the property’s unique position as off-campus housing for Johns Hopkins students and discusses the university’s thoughtful response to the crisis and role as a trusted resource for up-to-date information. Listen in to understand how Kristen’s day-to-day looks different working from home (with two kids!) and learn what her team is doing to maintain contact both with residents who are staying at Nine East 33rd and those who are sheltering elsewhere.

Topics Covered

Kristen’s background in student housing + current role as Director of Operations at COCM

The unique position of Nine East 33rd as off-campus student housing

Johns Hopkins’ thoughtful response to the Coronavirus pandemic

How Johns Hopkins is supporting Maryland’s response to COVID-19

What Kristen’s team is doing to ensure the health and safety of residents at Nine East 33rd

The gift baskets and door hangers Kristen is using to maintain regular contact with residents

How the Nine East 33rd staff is communicating with residents who are sheltering elsewhere

How Kristen’s day looks different working from home with two children

Kristen’s message for Nine East 33rd residents and campus partners at Johns Hopkins

Connect with Kristen

Kristen on LinkedIn

Nine East 33rd

Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 Info & Resources

Connect with Leigh Anne & Alton

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Leigh Anne on LinkedIn

Alton on LinkedIn

Email media@cocm.com

When the Coronavirus shut down college campuses across the US, most student housing facilities closed as well. But what do you do if the majority of your residents are not from the US and may not have the option to simply go home? How do you continue to serve students and stay connected with them when you’re required to stay at least six feet apart?

Lupita ‘Pete’ Morales is the Assistant Director of Housing Operations at the Campus Corner Apartments at Green River College in Auburn, Washington. She oversees operations for the 340 students living on campus, 179 of whom have remained on campus through the COVID-19 shutdown. Pete is committed to building a diverse and equitable community in an environment where 80% of the residents are international students. 

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Pete joins guest host Alton Irwin to discuss her team’s response to Coronavirus. She describes the diverse population of international residents she serves, weighing in on why she advocated to keep student housing open and what innovative strategies her team is using to stay in touch with its residents. Listen in for Pete’s insight around how the GRC team is navigating social distancing guidelines and learn what customer service, communication and cleanliness processes they plan to continue even after the pandemic is over.

Topics Covered

Pete’s role as AD of Housing Operations at Green River College

The diverse population of international students at Green River

What Green River leadership did to plan for COVID-19 in February

The Instagram account Pete’s staff is using to stay in touch with residents

What processes Pete’s team plans to continue once the crisis is over

How Pete’s team navigated move-in/out with social distancing guidelines

Why Green River student housing advocated to stay open

How Pete’s staff communicates with students who are learning English

How a typical day in Pete’s office looks different right now

What Pete’s team is doing to improve customer service to residents

Connect with Pete

Green River College

Pete on LinkedIn

Gator Pond on Instagram

Connect with Leigh Anne & Alton

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Leigh Anne on LinkedIn

Alton on LinkedIn

Email media@cocm.com