In the previous school year, college students began using a new, developing social media app dubbed “Fizz,” where students can anonymously share their thoughts, ideas and questions. It quickly became popular with students at Morgan State University during the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
Morgan students have made several posts on Fizz airing out their grievances regarding housing assignments and move-in dates – or lack thereof, even though the semester begins in less than 30 days.
According to a poll posted on July 15, only 104 of 1,063 votes said they had received their move-in date and time. Another 744 voted they had not received a set date, and 215 voted they did not have housing altogether.
“Everyday I kept checking social media to make sure I wasn’t the only one that did not receive their housing yet,” said out-of-state student Jaia Jackson, a junior multiplatform production major.
She was one of many who persistently checked the app for any updates regarding her peers’ statuses. “Students, such as myself, use social media platforms to confirm and talk amongst each other about rooming and housing since this is the fastest way to reach our news,” said Jackson.
The multiplatform production major also said she had to call and email the Office of Residence Life and Housing constantly before she finally received a room assignment, removing her from the waitlist.
Zarriah Hines, a sophomore nursing major, is another out-of-state student traveling all the way from Georgia and was initially on Morgan’s housing waiting list. Even though she submitted her application prior to its due date, it took her until July 1 to receive a housing assignment.
“I was told that I was applicant number 1,200 on the waiting list,” Hines said. “I felt like they put my application on the back burner and stuck me anywhere without communicating with me.”
Residence Life has planned to place rising freshmen in the Thurgood Marshall Hall, a newly constructed student dormitory, as well as other on-campus housing such as Blount Towers and Rawlings Hall – but what housing options will this leave for returning students?
“Before the semester was over, I had picked three options of housing. I was placed in [a different one], which was not an option of my liking,” said Ariyona Blake, a senior psychology major. “I have also sent emails to the housing directors with no response. I wish that they would take time out of their day to help me and other students with their problems.”
Residence Life is aware of the students’ concerns, questions and issues, as this is an ongoing problem that happens at the beginning of every semester. Douglas Gwynn, director of the Office of Residence Life & Housing, assures they are doing the best they can to accommodate everyone who has applied for housing.
“Posted on the Office of Residence Life website is a list of off-campus properties where returning students can seek units to rent directly on that property,” said Gwynn. “The properties that are listed are the ones that Morgan has agreements with and a certain number of spaces that students can rent until full.”
The aforementioned website has listed requirements that students need to meet in order to receive their move-in dates. They are required to be a full-time student (taking 12 credit hours or more) and must be in good financial standing with the university.
For more information regarding the Office of Residence Life and Housing, semester move-in dates and housing requirements, visit www.morgan.edu/residencelife.
