Serine
Students at Haskell Indian Nations University have been caught off guard by a sudden housing announcement. Those who had been approved to stay on campus during the summer now have until noon on Saturday, July 26 to vacate their residence halls, just one day after classes end.
The decision, communicated via letter from Interim President Mackie Moore, has left many scrambling to secure temporary housing.
Lack of Notice Causes Frustration
“I just wish they would’ve given us more notice,” said one current student, who preferred to remain anonymous. The student is part of a group enrolled in summer courses who had expected to remain on campus through the fall semester. Now, they face uncertainty about where to live in the interim period.
Staff Shortages Cited as Primary Cause
President Moore explained the university’s decision was due to ongoing staffing shortages, particularly in housing, janitorial, and dining services. He emphasized that staff need time to rest, complete training, and conduct deep cleaning of residence facilities. The staffing shortfall follows federal-level cuts imposed earlier this year.
Moore wrote, “Our dedicated staff have been working overtime and taking on extra shifts to support campus operations, and they now need time to rest and take earned time off.”
Scope of Impact Unclear
While a spokesperson for the Bureau of Indian Education acknowledged the policy shift, they did not specify how many students would be affected. They stated that typically only a small number of students stay on campus between semesters and emphasized the decision was meant to avoid disrupting academic progress.
Loss of Meals and Shelter Adds Pressure
For affected students, the loss of housing also means the loss of access to three daily meals, which were included in their meal plans. The anonymous student said that in the past, they and others in similar situations were granted exceptions to stay.
“Every semester, they try really hard to get everybody off of campus,” the student said. “But people like me… we don’t really have anywhere to go.”
University Promises Limited Support
Moore’s letter advised students to contact Dean Marisa Mendoza for help. Upon reaching out, Mendoza recommended searching for a sublease or temporary housing and mentioned that some financial aid might be available to assist.
However, the timing complicates things further, as Lawrence experiences high housing demand during this period due to college move-ins.
AC Failure at Blalock Hall Adds to Student Woes
In a separate incident, Blalock Hall residents were recently displaced because of air conditioning issues. President Moore told students the move was necessary for their health and safety, relocating them to Winona Hall.
The student shared that due to staffing shortages, moving was paused over the weekend, disrupting their school and work responsibilities.
With only weeks left before the move-out deadline, students are left with few options and limited support. Some community members are beginning to mobilize to offer temporary housing or donations.
The housing gap raises larger questions about how institutions support vulnerable students during off-peak academic times, especially amidst internal and external staffing crises.