ATLANTA -- There is a reported housing crisis on the campus of Clark Atlanta University as students claim they might not have anywhere to stay this semester.
Classes are set to begin on Wednesday and between 150 and 200 students waited nearly all day Tuesday at the Clark Atlanta Student Center, saying they had put down a deposit for housing, but still had not received word of where they were going to be able to stay for the semester.
11Alive News received a statement from Michael Marshall, Clark Atlanta's associate vice president of enrollment services, which said, in part, "We have housing for all freshmen and sophomores who are financially enrolled."
Marshall said communication about the timeline and process began in May, the dates were extended several times, and that those who have not completed the financial enrollment process have been offered temporary housing while that process is completed.
He said there is additional housing for upperclassmen as long as they have put down a deposit and financially enrolled before Aug. 1.
Another large crowd is expected on Wednesday as the enrollment process continues.
11Alive's Ashley Johnson spoke with Adrienne Lance Lucas at Lance Lucas and Associates about why this same type of situation seems to happen every year, who said it comes down to lack of funding.
"Our institutions are doing the best they can to raise funds to support their institutions, but it never seems to be quite enough," she explained. "So until you get a big windfall of funding for these institutions, you're going to continue to see the same story."
