WKU signs contract with new dorm managers

WKU has turned over dorm management and maintenance to Delaware-based company WGB Property Management, doing business as Inwood Management.

Inwood Management was brought to WKU as part of the new public-private partnership adopted by WKU following the failure of Normal, Regents and Hilltopper halls. Inwood Management was brought in by Gilbane, the private company WKU hired to head the new dorm model.

Inwood Management, alongside WKU, will “review and analyze market demand” for dorm occupancy and recommend the rental rates to the Collegiate Housing Foundation. The Collegiate Housing Foundation is an Alabama-based non-profit organization brought in by Gilbane to own all of WKU’s dorms.

“The Lessee (Collegiate Housing Foundation) shall have the right to make the final decision as to the Resident Housing Rates and Gross Fees,” according to the contract between Inwood Management, WKU and the Collegiate Housing Foundation.

Inwood Management will have 50 staff members on campus and will handle all maintenance and cleaning of WKU’s dorms. Housing and Residence Life is responsible for any other housing-related issues students face, according to Catherine LaRoche, executive director of HRL.

“HRL’s role on campus has not changed,” LaRoche said in an email to the Herald. “HRL will continue to provide a premier living, learning experience that promotes student success.”

LaRoche also said the number of HRL employees has not changed.

If a student submits an emergency maintenance request, Inwood Management will have one hour to respond and 24 hours to resolve the issue, LaRoche said. For other requests, Inwood Management will respond within 24 hours and has 10 days to fix the problem. Urgent maintenance issues include issues like HVAC problems, flipped breakers, smoke alarm batteries, or other problems that need immediate attention, according to HRL’s website.

LaRoche said students can use the student housing portal to submit maintenance requests.

Inwood Management will receive financial incentives of up to 0.2833% of general revenue earned if they respond to requests on time, have positive reviews on resident satisfaction surveys and score well in facility inspections, according to the contract between WKU, the Collegiate Housing Foundation and Inwood Management.

Inwood Management will also be paid 1.9% of the general revenue each annual period ending every June 30, according to the contract.

Net general revenue for the next annual period is listed in the contract as more than $26 million, and total operating expenses are just over $8 million.

WKU signs contract with new dorm managers

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