Molly Bench

The strategic direction of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA) for 2024 focuses on adapting to critical inflection points in higher education, such as the pandemic, climate change, and declining Massachusetts population of traditional-aged college students. It emphasizes strategic development and maintenance of residence halls, strategic financial planning, financial resource management, adapting to changing demographics and student preferences, supporting new and changing campus goals, and responding to external variables. The plan aims to address challenges like declining enrollment, housing occupancy, and affordability by exploring options such as alternative uses for housing, leveraging debt, and collaborating with campuses and other agencies.

The strategic plan focuses on housing targets, design capacity, and occupancy rates across various schools. It analyzes historical data and enrollment projections to inform strategies for occupancy management. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to evaluate success, with a focus on adjusting room types, altering housing policies, and developing alternative housing uses to meet student needs and increase enrollment.