The Student Housing Matters blog explores ideas with leaders in higher education and the student housing profession. This is the place to find stories from those who have worked in the field for many years, podcast interviews, and videos about relevant topics in the student housing world.

It’s about matters relating to on-campus student housing, as well as why quality on-campus student housing really matters. We want this blog to serve as a forum for sharing ideas and insights about how your on-campus student housing can do things beyond simply housing students. How it can be used as a more powerful tool to recruit and retain students on your campus. We look forward to you joining us in the conversation.

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Maximizing Occupancy: Amenity Upgrades That Pay Back

September 3, 2025

In student housing, amenities are more than a checklist of features — they’re strategic assets. From quiet study lounges to modern fitness centers and vibrant outdoor spaces, the amenities you invest in can directly influence student satisfaction, lease renewals, and long-term occupancy trends. But which upgrades deliver the greatest return? And how can you ensure…

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Unveiling the Potential of Campus Housing

August 25, 2025

An Introduction to Fresh Eyes Consulting (aka: the three-day campus tune-up your students will feel) Let’s be honest: campus housing never sits still. Enrollment shifts, programs evolve, and what students expect from “home on campus” changes every term. That’s why we built Fresh Eyes Consulting—a focused, on-site engagement that helps you see your housing through…

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Challenges and Opportunities in the Student Housing Market

August 20, 2025

Student housing is evolving quickly. Enrollment patterns, student expectations, and aging facilities are reshaping how campuses plan and operate residence communities. Here’s how COCM sees the market—and where universities can win with the right strategy and partnerships. Challenge: Evolving Demand & Expectations Enrollment continues to grow at many institutions, and with it, student expectations for…

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The Benefits of Third-Party Management in Student Housing

August 13, 2025

Discover how partnering with a specialized operator like COCM drives efficiency, resident satisfaction, compliance, scalability, and data-driven improvements—backed by real COCM insights. Managing student housing on U.S. campuses today demands balancing tight budgets, evolving student expectations, regulatory compliance, and the rapid turnover of a 24/7 residential community. That’s where a specialized third-party management partner excels.…

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Brian Kraft talks growing trends with Student Housing Business Magazine

February 28, 2024

View the full article in Student Housing Business Magazine’s latest issue. Operating On-Campus A look at some of the growing trends and best practices for third-party management on-campus. By Katie Sloan Enrollment is continuing to rise at many universities across the country — a fact which, alone, would be likely to substantiate a rise in…

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Focus on Gratitude: Caring & Improving

November 27, 2023

I have been privileged to work with COCM for quite a few years.  When I reflect on my career and on discussions with peer, I am grateful that COCM truly values its’ employees. COCM is hands down, in my opinion, the best when it comes to caring about employees and putting programs in place to…

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Focus on Gratitude: Blessed with Talent

November 20, 2023

I recently celebrated my 15th year with COCM.  When I came to work for COCM, I had a plan of working for 3-5 years with a private company and then returning to a university, but that never happened. I found my professional home. I am grateful to have found a place where I have been able to grow, continue…

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Focus on Gratitude: Friendships Made

November 15, 2023

As I think back over the years I have worked at COCM, I am grateful in many ways for God’s blessings on my life and work here.   I am grateful that while I was still working with Capstone Development, Doug Brown got me involved in Fresh Eyes Consulting, which was not only an opportunity for professional development, but also a chance…

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Focus on Gratitude: Good Problems

November 7, 2023

I’m thankful for the all the problems that create the need for COCM.  That probably sounds confusing because who welcomes a problem, but if it weren’t for schools wanting their residential students to have an exceptional experience while living on campus, we wouldn’t exist.  And if it weren’t for all the different problems that are…

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Gratitude: What We’re Grateful For As We Reflect on Our Past 20 Years

November 1, 2023

I must confess talking about this stuff is not my strength. I was present twenty years ago at the beginning of what is now COCM. I was coming off a terrible career decision which led me to my first experience with unemployment. I needed a paycheck, an identity boost, and I needed to feel successful again.  Joining Capstone…

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COCM Selected as Student Housing Management Partner at Marywood University

November 1, 2023

SCRANTON, Pa.,  – COCM (Capstone On-campus Management) is excited to announce its partnership with Marywood University to provide residence life and occupancy management services at the University, effective Dec. 1, 2023. With this new partnership, Marywood University is positioned to enhance its student housing experience and further align residence life efforts with institutional goals, aimed at supporting students from day…

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