By Jaci Schneider, Opinion Editor

In July, the Office of Residence Life Education and Housing received the results of a housing survey conducted last year, and the office recently finished conducting this year’s survey.

Although Dr. Mimi Barnard, director of Residence Life Education and Housing, said she has not had time to sift through all the data from the survey, she is pleased with the results.

“What I’ve learned is that we have a really excellent Residence Life Education and Housing program,” Barnard said. “It’s what I hear from colleagues at our sister school, and this confirms that.”

The last time ACU conducted the survey was in 2001, so few comparable data is available. However, after the results from this year’s survey arrive in July, the office can see where the program is heading.

Resident assistants and residence hall directors administered the survey to about 1,500 students living on campus, Barnard said.

Barnard said students indicated they were pleased with the RAs and security on the past year’s survey but displeased with the food service.

“That’s no surprise,” Barnard said. “We always complain about food service.”

However, Barnard said she is eager to see if the food service rating rises in this year’s survey because of the addition of food service in Adams and Smith residence halls.

“Personal space” also rated low on the survey, and Barnard said she hopes that will improve after students move into Barret Hall, which will have more defined community space and personal space.

Colleges around the country use the survey, which costs $3,000, to provide housing feedback.

“I get to compare with other schools,” Barnard said. “That’s always a positive thing.”