Campus News

UGA selected as host institution

University of Georgia selected to host National Housing Training Institute

Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia has been selected as the new host institution for the James C. Grimm National Housing Training Institute by the Association of College & University Housing Officers – International. The campus will assume host duties starting in 2011.

“It is a singular honor to be selected as host,” said Gerry Kowalski, executive director of University Housing and institute co‐director, along with Keener Scott, associate director for staff development and judicial programs in University Housing. “Given the fact this is the premiere professional development opportunity for housing professionals, as well as the quality of the other institutions we were competing against, it’s an incredible opportunity to be chosen.”

The James C. Grimm NHTI is an intense professional development program for those with 3‐5 years of full‐time experience in student housing. Senior‐level housing and student affairs officers serve as faculty, and the curriculum is based on a set of competencies that include budgeting, leadership, supervision, community building, planning, crisis management and emergency preparedness. NHTI participants assess their current competencies and create a professional development plan to achieve their career goals. NHTI is held each June. The 30 participants must apply to be selected.

“We are excited about Georgia’s commitment to helping develop the next generation of housing professionals,” said ACUHO‐I president Michael Schultz, “and confident they will do an excellent job.”

NHTI members include thousands of housing professionals from more than 900 colleges and universities worldwide as well as more than 200 corporate members.

“NHTI is a great example of the type of experiential learning that works so well for adult learners,” said Kowalski. “We look forward to continuing the great work started by [past hosts] the University of Florida and the University of Maryland and infusing it with our Bulldog spirit.”

University Housing at the University of Georgia provides comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing options in residential communities where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported. Approximately 7,000 students live in 20 residence halls within seven residential communities, along with graduate students and their families in 580 campus units. University Housing is strongly committed to creating and supporting an environment of diversity and offers the most innovative services to residents, more than 600 professional, graduate and student staff, and the University community.

For more information about University Housing at the University of Georgia, see www.uga.edu/housing.