Five Questions with Todd Duncan

SHB: What are you spending most of your time on right now?

Todd Duncan: Determining how much housing inventory can be opened for fall (and at what occupancy level) and how residential food services will be delivered. Student housing demand remains strong, nothing new for UC. Single occupancy per bedroom will reduce capacity by 35%. Unresolved is who makes the decision, UC or the State of Ohio. Residential food services will conform to state guidance, 50% seating at this time with the balance delivered via carryout.

SHB: Do you still have any stranded residents living in university housing? How are you servicing and accommodating them?

Todd Duncan: About 150 residents remain, consolidated to one complex, single occupancy with twice-per-day carryout food service. In mid-June we will begin welcoming our football team back to campus in a phased manner, 25% per phase.

SHB: How difficult is it to plan ahead for Fall 2020 at this point?

Todd Duncan: Very difficult, as it is unresolved if this is UC’s decision or if the State of Ohio will provide guidance. Perhaps more troubling is the impact on Fall 2021 demand for housing if Fall 2020 capacity is significantly reduced. We could be facing a significant increase in demand next year for on-campus and adjacent student housing.

SHB: How do you think social distancing and everything associated with COVID-19 will impact on-campus housing moving forward?

Todd Duncan: Primarily in the design of new inventory. Thankfully, UC has a diverse housing portfolio. Traditional community bathrooms will become segmented, although the traditional room may remain. On-campus portfolios will be diversified, with future design including more single-occupancy bedrooms. Residence life programming will certainly be impacted for the upcoming year, although I believe it will quickly return to “normal."

5. SHB: And on a personal level, what is the one thing you most look forward to doing once we get past this pandemic and life/society get back to "normal?"

Todd Duncan: Watching my daughter play softball! She lost her junior year of the high school season due to the pandemic. While her glove work needs to develop to match dad’s (back in the day), I never could swing a bat the way she can – she can rake!