Overcrowding reported at Springfield universities

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Student housing is filled to the brim and overflowing at Southwest Missouri State, Drury and Evangel universities.

The schools have been forced to do everything from converting study lounges to sleeping rooms to asking resident supervisors to take in roommates.

In an effort to find space for the nearly 6,000 students, administrators at the three schools report nearly every dorm room, apartment and sleeping area is occupied.

And administrators are beaming over the cramped quarters.

"I like this a lot better than worrying about having enough enrollment to support the staff," said Daniel Way, director of student services at Evangel University, where more than 1,200 students live on campus.

All incoming freshmen at the three universities are required to live on campus if they are not living with their parents.

Administrators said the overcrowded situation should improve in the next few weeks as enrollment levels out.

"Students change their minds about going to school, they don't show up or they decide to go into the Army," said Larry Wray, Southwest Missouri State area coordinator for residence life.

But even after enrollment shakes out, new living arrangements will be in effect at some schools.

Drury University is leasing and furnishing six units at a complex near the school to house some juniors and seniors.

The need to find housing "has been a challenge, but it's a wonderful challenge to have to meet and we've been very successful at it," said Karen Sweeney, dean of students.

At Southwest Missouri State, some study lounges in the dorms were converted in two, two-bed sleeping areas.

"We've used the study lounges in the past. The units are like normal student residences. They have beds, phone and data hookups," Wray said, adding that once room vacancies turn up, the study lounge residents will be moved into regular rooms.

The university also is offering 13 apartments to married couples and single parents for the first time in a refurbished complex. The new apartments will provide parents with an enclosed courtyard area when their children can play safely.