Madison Reporter

Erin Warner, assistant director in the Division of University Housing at UW–Madison, is known for her supportive approach to helping students navigate Madison's challenging housing market. At a recent campus forum, she ensured attendees were comfortable and informed about available resources.

Warner oversees Off-Campus Housing Services, a unit established last year to assist students and families with the competitive housing landscape. Jeff Novak, associate vice chancellor for finance and administration and director of University Housing, praised Warner's empathetic communication skills and dedication to helping others.

Warner’s efforts are appreciated by colleagues like Joselyn Diaz-Valdes from the Office of Student Financial Aid. "Erin makes it easy because she’s so approachable," Diaz-Valdes said. Warner engages with students through information tables at dining halls and events across campus.

With degrees in social welfare, sociology, and social work, Warner uses her personal experiences to guide students through housing challenges. Her daughter Jamie recalled an incident where they signed two leases simultaneously. Jamie described her mother as knowledgeable and willing to help.

Warner prefers meeting students in informal settings like Starbucks at Smith Residence Hall. She assists them with budgeting and differentiating between wants and needs when choosing housing options.

"I want students to feel like they have someone in their corner who understands that this process can be very stressful," Warner stated. She assures parents that their children are supported while away from home.