Student Housing Matters

Gray Bekurs Talks the Impact of Housing on Student Recruitment & Retention

Today we explore the profound impact of on-campus housing on student recruitment and retention. In this episode, we sit down with Gray Bekurs, VP of Business Development at COCM, to discuss: • How on-campus housing influences a prospective student's decision to attend a particular university. • Innovative strategies COCM has implemented to make on-campus housing more appealing to new students. • The relationship between quality student housing and student retention rates. Specific features or amenities in student housing that have been shown to positively impact student retention. • COCM's approach to addressing the unique housing needs of different campuses and student populations. Gray Bekurs brings a wealth of experience and insights into how well-managed student housing can foster a supportive and thriving academic community. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on enhancing student satisfaction and boosting retention through strategic housing solutions.

Transforming student housing spaces with Liz Toombs

In this episode, we’re chatting with Liz Toombs of PDR Interiors, about her experience in transforming student housing spaces into havens of mental well-being. Liz, a Certified Interior Decorator, has channeled her expertise into creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote mental health across numerous campuses. Her work, recognized by major media outlets, reflects a commitment to nurturing environments where students can thrive. Beyond her design achievements, Liz's dedication to community and empowerment, seen through her philanthropic efforts and mentorship programs, underscores the importance of supportive spaces in fostering holistic wellness. Join us as we explore how Liz Toombs crafts more than interiors; she designs sanctuaries for the mind.

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Financial Reporting in Student Housing with Emily Hill and Stephanie Lachina

I've always enjoyed the collaborative team aspect and problem-solving with clients,” - Stephanie Lachina Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Emily Hill, COCM Corporate Accountant, and Stephanie Lachina, COCM Financial Reporting Accountant, sit down to discuss the integral role financial reporting plays in the student housing industry and how the financial services at COCM have evolved over the years.  Emily and Stephanie delve into the various types of financial reports provided to clients and owners and how the financial reporting at COCM has changed over the years in order to meet each client's specific needs. Plus, how financial reporting services, and audit assistance have helped COCM's clients. Listen in to learn about the role of financial reporting in the student housing industry and the crucial role it plays in fostering problem-solving for the site directors and owners. Topics Covered Emily and Stephanie share their career paths and how they entered the field of accounting The various types of financial reports COCM provides to clients and owners How COCM customizes reports to meet client-specific needs How the financial reporting at COCM has evolved over the years How the financial reporting services, including timely reporting, support, and audit assistance have helped COCM's clients The importance of collaboration with site directors and owners to better understand their operation needs and offer support Resources Student Housing Matters Podcast Connect with Emily Hill Emily on LinkedIn  Connect with Stephanie Lachina Stephanie on Lnkedin  Connect with COCM Student Housing Matters Student Housing Matters on Facebook Student Housing Matters on Twitter Capstone On-Campus Management Email media@cocm.com 

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Inside COCM's DEI Task Force with Dr. Mecca Marsh, Corey Reedy, and Kern Williams

"I think that the important part is making sure that we have a variety of voices at the table... looking at what their concerns are and their perspective. That's going to be important as the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) task force moves forward," - Kern Williams Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." College campuses are the pulse of the political landscape, and it's crucial to engage the right people in the conversations to incite change. On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Dr. Mecca Marsh, Corporate Support Specialist for COCM sits down with Corey Reedy, Vice President of Operations, and Kern Williams Regional Vice President to introduce and discuss the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) task force at COCM. They share how the task force came to be at COCM and the significance of having a variety of voices and perspectives addressing the unique needs and experiences of ALL individuals. Listen in to learn how these professionals are navigating the complex landscape of student housing and the various means the DEI Task Force is employing to improve inclusion, celebrate differences, and create a welcoming environment within COCM. Topics Covered Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in education: How the formation of the DEI Task Force at COCM has evolved to support the holistic well-being of ALL employees Discover how the task force has adapted to include those in the LGBTQ+ community and to address a broader range of issues in the legal and social landscape The major accomplishments of the DEI Task Force over the past 3-4 years The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in highlighting the need for DEI education to address challenges in marginalized communities The role of the DEI task force in building a legacy and the future for DEI efforts at COCM How the task force is toward alignment with the school's values in a continuous mindset of improvement and forward movement How listeners can join COCM to be a part of the legacy Resources Student Housing Matters Podcast Connect with Corey Reedy Corey Reedy at COCM Corey Reedy on LinkedIn Connect with Kern Williams Kern Williams at COCM Kern on LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Mecca Marsh Student Housing Matters Student Housing Matters on Facebook Student Housing Matters on Twitter Capstone On-Campus Management Dr. Marsh on LinkedIn Email media@cocm.com  

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: How COCM's Student Housing Calculator Revolutionizing Student Housing with Doug Brown

“Housing is a critical activity that relates directly to the status of the university, and if it's not healthy, the rest of the institution is not either,” - Doug Brown, President, COCM Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Gray Bekurs, Vice President of Business Development sits down with Doug Brown, President of  Capstone On-Campus Management (COCM) to discuss COCM’s implementation of the Student Housing Calculator for use in forecasting housing demand based on historical data and enrollment trends The conversation explores how and why the Student Housing Calculator was created, how the calculator simplifies what seems like a complex problem, and the importance of understanding the critical parameters necessary for filling housing relative to enrollment. Listen in as Doug shares interesting stories related to the use of the Student Housing Calculator, the outcomes on long-term planning, and how this innovative tool is helping institutions in the student housing industry make more informed decisions to manage housing resources more effectively. For more information on the Student Housing Calculator visit Capstone On-Campus Management or click here.  Topics Covered Doug shares how and why the Student Housing Calculator was created The critical parameters for understanding occupancy and filling housing relative to enrollment Why the first time-to-college student product is so important The key indicators and data the Student Housing Calculator uses to calculate housing occupancy and yield The biggest difference between the housing calculator and market studies in determining who to build for in the future How the Student Housing Calculator helped one struggling institution realize they could close a building for renovations without a shortage of beds Why the Student Housing Calculator is available free of charge and how it will help people in the housing industry Resources Student Housing Calculator Student Housing Matters Podcast Connect with Doug Brown Doug at COCM Doug on LinkedIn Connect with Gray Bekurs Student Housing Matters Student Housing Matters on Facebook Student Housing Matters on Twitter Capstone On-Campus Management Gray at COCM Gray on LinkedIn Email media@cocm.com