The AIA Orange County
Women In Architecture Committee Presents:
College Students and the Affordable Housing Crisis
Hosted By:
California is experiencing a critical shortage of affordable housing for students, forcing millions to decide between paying for education or providing food and shelter for themselves and their families. According to a 2021 state Assembly report, approximately 5% of UC students, 10% of California State University students, and 20% of community college students reported being homeless at some point during the 2021-22 academic year. This panel of local Community College, State College, and University representatives will discuss how local schools are responding to student homelessness and housing insecurity, the need for affordable housing, and plans for the future.
Learning Objectives. Attendees will:
Gain insight into affordable housing issues facing students attending local community colleges and universities.
Discover how schools are addressing student homelessness and housing insecurity and unique programs that have been put in place.
Learn how local institutions have responded to California’s Affordable Student Housing Grant program.
Hear about capital construction project plans and what’s coming in the future.
Date: March 14, 2024
Time:
Reception/Networking: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Panel Discussion: 6:00 – 7:30
Location: Tivoli Show Room
17110 Armstrong Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614
Learning Units: 1.5 AIA LUs
Cost: AIAOC Members: Free, Non-members $20
Moderator: Heidi Hampton, Senior Associate + Studio Director, Gensler
Panelists:
Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, Associate Professor at CSULB & Executive Director of the Center for Equitable Higher Education
Fatou Olshanski, Director of Residence Life, CSULB
Dr. Ruben Smith, Vice Chancellor & Chief Facilities Executive, LACCD
Ian Erhardt, Associate Vice Chancellor of Capital Construction, LACC
Dr. Rashida Crutchfield is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Executive Director of the Center for Equitable Higher Education, which is dedicated to studying and promoting economic, food, and housing justice. She is committed to amplifying the voices of students through research and service. She has presented widely and authored articles, reports, and books about student basic needs. Rashida has provided input on state policy and support and advice to stakeholders across the state and nation who wish to replicate and expand policy and practice for students.
Ian Erhardt serves as the Director of Bond Capital Construction for the Los Angeles Community College District. He joined the Los Angeles Community College District’s Facilities & Planning Department in 2020 to oversee the nation’s largest community college capital improvement program. Ian focuses on delivering innovative, state-of-the-art, and sustainable projects under the District’s $14.9 billion bond program. As an industry leader, Ian leads the District’s clean-energy and sustainability efforts, aligning all bond-funded projects with the District’s priority to deliver a world class education and working experience for more than 230,000 students, faculty and staff.
Fatou Mbye Olshanski is the Director of Residential Life at California State University, Long Beach and she has been a Student Affairs professional for over 17 years. Fatou earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Kansas State University (KS) and her Master of Science in Higher Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (IL). Fatou is originally from The Gambia in West Africa, but considers herself a third culture kid, having lived in multiple countries and states during her childhood. Fatou has a passion for supporting students and staff in their leadership development as well as working with first generation and minoritized individuals.
Dr. Rueben Smith serves as the Vice Chancellor and Chief Facilities Executive for the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). He holds degrees in civil engineering and mathematics, an MBA in environmental sustainability and a doctorate in computer science, enterprise information systems. As a multi-faceted Built Environment Professional with over 20 years of experience in engineering design, construction, facilities, and environmental sustainability, he has led the design, development, and post construction management of dozens upon dozens of projects of varying delivery methods including the implementation of zero-net energy (ZNE) master plans and integrated energy resource plans at various college and K-12 Districts across the State of California. With a goal to facilitate and deliver the best possible teaching, learning, and working environment, Dr. Smith recognizes the commitment required to build, maintain, and operate green, healthy/safe WELL buildings and the infrastructure to support it.