STUDENT HOUSING

In 1997, Sentinel signed an important management contract with the University of Québec in Montreal. This administration agreement meant the complete management of its student housing that wasn’t yet built. This innovative project, at the time, represented a milestone in Québec. Indeed, for the first time ever, a university had entrusted to a private company the management of a large real estate project, pursuant to an outsourcing agreement. Ever since, Sentinel has developed a specific and unique action plan for student housing.

Sentinel is attentive to the needs of the students. Our team knows that the student’s housing are much more than a mere housing service, and that they represent a true living environment and a springboard for the youth. Indeed, beyond a simple housing situation, relationships and friendships are created, which are crucial to success in academic studies.

Our staff, which carries our ever-increasing desire for innovation, has therefore created from scratch a service in line with the expectations of students:

  • Hiring of resident assistant on each floor to facilitate the integration of freshmen students
  • Support and help line for students in need
  • Conciliation and mediation between residents
  • Creation of a Social Activities Committee (special evenings, gatherings and in-residence activities)
  • Implementation of a significant student employment network within our organization

As mentioned above, the creation of a student division within Sentinel represents a first-rate competitive advantage for the company. Indeed, several students work at various positions within the company. They take advantage of the existing system to hold down wage-earning employment while gaining significant work experience that will be useful for them in the future. This partnership is therefore beneficial to all involved.

The success of the UQAM Student Housing project represents an achievement in which we take great pride. This initial partnership has enabled us to subsequently take part in many student projects, both from an institutional and private perspective.