SMU evaluates student housing

By Cardinal Staff and SMU News Service

Last May, the Saint Mary’s Board of Trustees asked university administration for a report on the state of campus residence halls. At the same meeting, the board’s Finance and Facilities Committee and University Students and Admissions Committee toured existing residence halls to evaluate current living conditions and capacity.

The board’s interest in residence halls was prompted by its ongoing discussions about university recruiting, retention and quality of student life.

During the summer months, a university committee surveyed current residence hall conditions and discussed options for improvement.

The work of that committee was presented to the board at its October meeting.

After discussion, the board authorized administration to conduct a housing assessment, to look at current residence hall facilities in light of the needs of current and future students. The assessment will examine housing capacity, multipurpose use, communal activity space, study space, renovation potential and so on.

“Our goal is to have a vision for overall residence opportunities. Then if we decide to move, we’ve done due diligence in looking ahead,” said Chris Kendall, vice president for student life.

The assessment will include discussions about a possible new residence hall. A wide variety of constituents will be consulted during the process, according to Jim Bedtke, vice president for the College. Bedtke and Ann Merchlewitz, executive vice president, have already begun meeting with student leaders to get their input.

Bedtke stressed that during their conversations with student leaders, he and Merchlewitz emphasize that a possible new residence hall would not interfere with the university’s commitment to a new science complex.

“Both initiatives would have a positive effect on recruiting, retention, student life and learning experiences,” Bedtke said.

Again, Kendall is careful to emphasize that much of the discussion concerning residence halls is still a “vision.” Ultimately, many final decisions will depend on student need and preference. “And student need are changing,” said Kendall.

Kendall said student housing will remain in the forefront of conversations at future board meetings and as part of a larger master facilities plan.

“It is important to remember that Saint Mary’s is a residential, Catholic, Lasallian College. Students come here to live, as well as learn,” said Kendall.