What's Happening?
Columbia College has announced that it will terminate its lease at the Arc at Old Colony after the Spring 2026 semester due to a significant decline in campus housing demand. The college has experienced a drop in student occupancy from approximately 2,000
in Fall 2021 to 1,426 in Fall 2025. Despite this reduction, the college assures that it can accommodate all students wishing to live on campus within its remaining three residence halls. The Arc at Old Colony, known for its apartment-style units and full kitchens, offered a more independent living experience, which many students valued. However, with the college facing decreased enrollment and financial constraints, maintaining the Arc has become unsustainable. The decision to end the lease is seen as a necessary step to reallocate resources more effectively, prioritizing academic programs and faculty over maintaining underutilized housing.
Why It's Important?
The decision to end the lease at the Arc at Old Colony reflects broader challenges faced by Columbia College, including declining enrollment and financial pressures. By reallocating resources from housing to academic needs, the college aims to preserve the quality of education and faculty employment, which are critical to its long-term viability. This move highlights the difficult choices educational institutions must make in response to changing student demographics and financial realities. The closure of the Arc also underscores the importance of adapting campus facilities to meet current student needs while ensuring financial sustainability. Students who valued the Arc's unique living environment may feel the loss, but the college's focus on maintaining academic integrity and faculty positions is crucial for its future.
What's Next?
Columbia College will need to ensure that the qualities students appreciated at the Arc, such as independence and community, are integrated into its remaining housing options. The college's next steps will involve demonstrating that this decision was a strategic reallocation of resources rather than a mere budget cut. It will be important for the college to communicate transparently with students about how it plans to enhance the living experience in other residence halls. Additionally, the college may need to explore new strategies to boost enrollment and address its financial challenges, ensuring that it can continue to provide a high-quality education and student experience.
