The Director of Housing at Waynesburg University, Matt Pioch, is ready to tackle his first full year of housing applications. This school year is Pioch’s second year at Waynesburg University.

Last school year, Pioch served as the assistant to Jessica Sumpter, who is now the Director of Online Programs. He took over Sumpter’s role when she changed departments and was ready to take the lead on housing.

“Myself being the assistant, I was pretty aware of everything that was going on,” said Pioch. “So it was a logical next step.”

Pioch has inherited a relatively new program, as this will be the second full year for the new housing application process.

“In the past we did a lottery which, based on your credits, you would be given certain odds in the lottery,” said Pioch. “But you would never know exactly what pick you were going to have.”

The new system, he says, is much more efficient than the old lottery system.

“Our housing application is something we introduced last year, but we are continuing with it this year,” said Pioch. “It’s something that gives us a lot of data that we need to see what housing is highly sought after by students.”

Pioch said that Willison Hall is the most popular housing option for male students at Waynesburg. The residence hall may see some competition in demand this upcoming year, however.

“From what I have heard, the on campus houses are becoming much more popular within our male population as well,” said Pioch.

Trends are a little different for females on campus Pioch said.

“For our female students, there is usually a pretty even balance of the traditional halls and the suite style halls in S.W.E.P. (South, West, East, and Pollock Halls),” said Pioch. “But I would say our greatest demand is for those on-campus houses.”

The new process is working well, Pioch said. Many are pleased with their selections and the process is very organized.

“We are still trying to see the effectiveness of the new program, but from what we saw last year it was very effective as a manual way of doing things,” said Pioch. “From what we have learned from students and what we have seen as staff, it has been much more efficient of a process and people tend to be happier with their selections.”

With housing application deadlines quickly approaching, Pioch has some advice for students to help make the housing process run smoothly.

“Complete the forms as they come in. The quicker and the faster everybody is willing to participate and get those things completed, the less chaos there is on their end as well as our end,” said Pioch. “So it works for everybody, if everyone fills out what they are supposed to fill out.”

When it comes to setting up the best housing situation for yourself next year, Pioch said it never hurts to over prepare.

“There is no risk applying for something you don’t think you will be able to get. Just go out for it and try it,” said Pioch. “But also have a backup plan and a backup plan for your backup plan.”