Odessa, Texas — Odessa College is aware of concerns raised following a housing update email sent to students on Friday, April 25, 2025, and would like to provide important context surrounding that communication.

The email, issued by the Office of Student Life, notified current students that due to high demand and limited space, on-campus housing for the 2025–2026 academic year would not be guaranteed for returning students. This decision is rooted in long-standing capacity challenges and is not connected to the outcome of the recent May 3 bond election.

Currently, Odessa College has only 237 total beds available across two residence halls: Wrangler Hall, built in 1964, and Century Commons, built in 2002. These facilities are regularly at full or near capacity and, given the size of our student population and the needs of our athletic programs, difficult choices about housing availability have been necessary.

It’s important to note that Odessa College is not alone in this. Fewer than 35% of Texas community colleges offer any form of on-campus housing. Of those that do, most prioritize housing for student-athletes and other specialized populations.

In response to feedback from the community following the November 2024 bond election, Odessa College made the decision to remove a proposed new residence hall from the bond package presented to voters in May 2025. While a new dormitory had been part of the original Vision 2030 bond proposal in November — due to known capacity limits — community input indicated housing was not seen as a top priority. We listened and adjusted accordingly.

The housing update sent in April was a proactive effort to inform students ahead of time and support them in securing alternative housing. Our Student Life and Support Services teams continue to provide housing resources and assistance to students affected by this change.

We are grateful for the community’s ongoing engagement and input. Odessa College remains committed to being transparent, responsive, and student-focused in our planning and communications. For questions regarding student housing, please contact housing@odessa.edu.