Helpful handbook published

Off-campus students will have some required reading in their mailboxes today.

An off-campus student handbook was compiled by Associate Dean of Students Bill Stackman and his student assistant in the Off-campus Concerns Office. Distributed to all students who currently live off campus, copies will be available for any students who want them.

The handbook was a project that grew out of the off-campus concerns program that Stackman organized a year ago in response to growing questions about living off campus and a Senate proposal to develop one. The handbook not only addresses housing issues but also attempts to uncover how the College can best meet the needs of off-campus students.

"Many students feel they're out there on their own. It's a wonderful experience to move off-campus, but we want to do what we can to make sure it's a positive experience," Stackman said.

The handbook begins by outlining common questions about living and moving off campus. "When should I begin to look for housing?" How do I find available housing? and How much should I expect to pay?" are some of the questions answered.

After the question and answer section, the handbook lists tenant and landlord rights, letting students know what to expect in a housing contract and reminding students of the landlord's rights concerning eviction and ownership.

The handbook even has a checklist of things to look at when searching for a place to live and questions to ask the landlord.

At the end of the book, more ambitious students may have flashbacks to second grade. With a delightfully playful font, Stackman and his student assistant Maria Barajas have written sample legal letters requesting deposit returns from landlords with blank spaces for names.

The handbook is only one part of Stackman's attempts to more effectively aid off-campus students. Last year, he created the off-campus concerns office with office hours so students can easily get concerns addressed.

The office is staffed by Barajas, who has updated the notebook on off- campus housing.

"A lot of students haven't rented anything," Barajas said. "The Handbook is just putting resources together in a convenient form," she said.

Stackman has also planned a number of workshops for students who are considering living off campus. The workshops, to be held in December, will address more specific problems facing students, including a report on the implications of the fire code controversy between landlords and the city government.

Stackman hopes that future versions of the handbook can include sections concerning these and other issues, but he encourages students to contact him with their concerns so he can better gauge the problems with which students are faced.