Now that Residential Property Management students have a new central location, they can take more pride in their program.
Ball State's is the only RPM program in Indiana, and only consists of about 50 students.
Kolby Smethers, who is a senior in RPM, said the location of the center on the first floor of the newly renovated Applied Technology Building will draw more attention to what the program does. He said having an updated space will help RPM students be proud of their course of study.
“With that extra promotion it will be easier for students to talk about the program with students outside of the program, which will in turn result in more success in the program,” Smethers said. “The new center will also help students take pride in their major.”
The center is named after Dean Weidner, who donated $1 million toward its construction and the advancement of the program into national status. Weidner is the owner of Weidner Apartment Homes, one of the largest residential companies in the nation, with complexes all over North America.
The center’s purpose is to create visibility of the RPM program and industry. Some of the features of the Weidner Center include two rooms for one-on-one interviews, a resource desk and a lobby with video monitors.
Erin Donovan, program director of RPM, said the video monitors will show information about the program, job openings related to the major, events and advisory board company highlights. Blake Mitchell, a senior in the department, said most students aren't aware that the RPM program exists, and the new center should attract people to enroll in it.
“The new Weidner Center will provide a professional atmosphere for students to interview with future employers,” Mitchell said. “This will give the RPM Program better exposure to Ball State and hopefully the growth of the major ... Hopefully this new center will change the recognition of the program, and help get the word out."
Donovan said RPM is aiming to spread word about the program so more students can take advantage of it while they have the chance.
“Our biggest problem is that students are not aware of our program before coming to Ball State and often find us in their sophomore and junior year,” Donovan said. “We hope that the center gives the program exposure so students can learn about the opportunities available in the industry early on.”
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