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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 (you guessed it) fresh eyes, then leave with a clear, doable plan.
So… what is Fresh Eyes?
Fresh Eyes is COCM’s quick, expert assessment for on-campus housing. We come to you, listen to your goals, walk your communities, talk with students and campus partners, run the numbers, and share a practical roadmap you can act on right away. It’s not a vague “nice-to-have.” It’s a short, structured sprint that aligns housing with recruitment, retention, and student success.
How it works (the three-day groove)
Day 1: Listen & learn.
We sit down with your stakeholders—housing, facilities, student affairs, finance, admissions, dining—plus student leaders. We gather what’s working, what’s stuck, and what “great” needs to look like on your campus.
Day 2: Walk & validate.
Facility tours, community walk-throughs, and a close look at the resident experience, from move-in to maintenance to study spaces. We’re scanning for alignment: do spaces, services, and policies support the outcomes you care about?
Day 3: Model & recommend.
We plug your data into COCM’s Student Housing Calculator to size demand and stress-test scenarios. Then we present a focused set of positioning recommendations—the right unit mix, rate strategy, and a phased plan for improvements or renovations. You’ll also see where campus services (think dining, financial aid, admissions) can better support housing goals. You leave with clarity, not homework.
What you get (and actually use)
- Clear positioning for each community (who it serves, why it wins).
- A right-sized unit mix based on enrollment and demand—not guesswork.
- Practical rate recommendations aligned with market and mission.
- A phased capital plan (what to do now, next, and later).
- Ideas for new, organic revenue (e.g., conferences or intern housing) where it fits your campus.
- Alignment opportunities with campus partners so housing isn’t carrying the load alone.
- A concise slide deck you can share with leadership—because buy-in matters.
When to call us
- You’re planning renovations or considering new beds.
- Occupancy is fine, but satisfaction or renewals aren’t where you want them.
- You need a neutral read before a big decision or P3 conversation.
- You want to validate strategy with data and a campus-specific lens.
Why a quick sprint works
Housing leaders are busy. A months-long study can stall momentum. Fresh Eyes is intentionally short and focused, so you can move from “we should” to “we are”—without losing a semester.
The tone (and the team)
We’re collaborators first. COCM is 100% employee-owned, which means our teams show up like owners—curious, prepared, and invested in your outcomes. We’ll challenge assumptions, celebrate what’s working, and keep recommendations grounded in your mission and budget.
Ready to see your housing with Fresh Eyes?
If you’re weighing renovations, juggling demand, or just want a sharper plan, Fresh Eyes can help you make confident, campus-aligned decisions—fast.
Let’s talk about a three-day visit and what you’d like to accomplish. (And yes, we’ll bring the checklists.)
Want details on Fresh Eyes or our on-campus management services? Visit COCM’s site and explore Our Services, Fresh Eyes Consulting, the Student Housing Calculator, and Capital Projects.
