A major culture shift is under way here — one that is making student life a richer experience and continuing to change our status from that of a commuter school.
In just eight years, the percentage of full-time students living on Belknap Campus has increased from 9 to 20. The percentage of freshmen opting to live on campus has increased from 20 to 25 in the 1990s to 65 this fall.
New student housing, more like apartments than old-school dormitories, has made campus living more attractive. And, faced with state budget cuts, we’ve found creative alternatives to state funding for housing by partnering with private developers to create near-campus facilities.
This summer, we and one of our partners broke ground at an abandoned industrial site where there will be 366 apartments by fall 2009 with pedway access to campus. When it’s complete in fall 2010, it will have 522 one- to four-bedroom apartments, a clubhouse, swimming pool, volleyball court and sun deck. Residents still will have access to our food service, transportation and the other amenities available to students who live in campus residence halls.
Residence halls serve as a beacon for a vibrant campus community, but the change has to do with more than housing.
Student clubs and organizations are thriving. This fall, our dining facilities will start to have longer hours. There also will be more food choices and more locations. All of these things will help students be engaged, aware and involved in all the opportunities that we provide. And engaged students are more likely to succeed and to graduate.
Opportunity — it’s happening here, and students want to be on campus to be part of it.
The courage to question convention.
The passion to break new ground.
The insight to champion community.
The imagination to pursue the undiscovered.
The will to achieve greatness.
The promise of a limitless future.
The people to bring it to life.
It's Happening Here.