Administrators search for funding to begin construction on new residence hall this spring
By Ame Phitwong
The administration is considering breaking ground for a new residence hall this spring, although funding for the project has yet to materialize.
"We are hoping to find benefactors who can help in making the decision to go forward an affirmative one, but we are still in the initial stages of finding those donors," said John Goldrick, vice president for enrollment management and student life, in an e-mail. Goldrick declined to comment further on the discussions about the new dorm.
The residence hall could help evolve UP into a more residential campus as well as alleviate the current overcrowding in the dorms which are near maximum capacity, according to ASUP President David Gregg. The University admitted the largest freshman class in school history last fall.
"Because of the overcrowding, there is a need for space. It's a priority for the entire campus. As representatives of the student body, (ASUP) let the administration and staff know it's time for new residential halls," Gregg said.
The potential new dorm would be build on part of the field across from Tyson Hall.
With the increase in students, Gregg explained that the new dorm will definitely impact the food services on campus. Michael Walsh, director of Residence Life, explained that Bon Appétit has plans to increase The Commons space. There are also plans to create a new lounge in Haggerty Hall and a coffee shop on campus.
"I'd love to have 75 percent of the students on campus," Walsh said. Right now, Walsh estimates that 50 percent of students live on campus. With the new dorm, he hopes that number will rise to 55 to 58 percent. "I truly believe in a residential campus."
Walsh explained the addition will be a challenge, but not a tremendous one for Residence Life.
"As long as the building is finished on time, it shouldn't be too weird or difficult," he said. Walsh said there are plans to do a lottery system for current students to be the first residents in the new dorm. The rest of the rooms will be filled with freshmen.
According to Gregg, it will take anywhere from eight to 20 months before the new dorm will be completed once the approval has been given.
"Right now, it's an issue of logistics and funding," Gregg said. "We're trying to get help from a variety of areas. We hope to get help from benefactors, but we're in a very good place."
