The Collegian

Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: News

Campus dorms could soon boast updated rooms and lobbies thanks to the research of design teams scouring campus dormitories.

Students recently received an online survey from which ideas about change will be taken, Vice President for Student Affairs Diane Philipp said.

The survey is part of the beginning stage of what could lead to possible dormitory renovations.

"The campus is beautiful," Philipp said. "Almost every building is either new or has been redone in the past eight years. There is a need in some of the dorms to be redone."
Philipp said several professional design teams have looked at campus dorms and talked to students. The design teams will present their project plans to the administration within a month.

Students received an e-mail last week asking them to complete an online renovation survey.

"We've had excellent feedback from the surveys," Philipp said.

The online survey asked students about dorm common spaces, rooms and furniture. Philipp said the design teams also talked to students about what changes they would like to see made.

"One thing kids talk a lot about is wireless. It's very expensive but something we need to look at," Philipp said.

Senior Angela Moore said she filled out the survey.

"I think it's a good place to start since we're the ones actually living in the rooms," she said.

Moore lives in Whitley Residence and said she would appreciate more storage.
Moore's roommate, senior Tessa McBrayer, said she has a hard time finding enough space for everything she owns.

Olds Residence House Director Mary Cobb said she would like to see better storage in Olds as well.

The current storage drawers in Olds don't always work well and are not sufficient, Philipp added.

Both Cobb and Philipp said changing anything about Olds would change the dorm's feel, something Cobb says brings students back to visit year after year.

"People love Olds," Philipp said. "It's quirky. We don't want to change the culture."
McIntyre Residence House Director Teri Martin talked to members of a design team about McIntyre.

"We suggested more common area space," she said. "Go for space - more common areas so you don't have to entertain in your bedroom."

Martin said she would also like to see a student kitchen put in, as well as new bathrooms in student rooms.

Martin loves Mauck Hall's solarium.

Mauck's solarium and entranceway, renovated last summer, draw students to the building, Philipp said. The renovations to the main floor and basement cost $90,000.

"Mauck is in high demand now," Philipp said. "There's a line-up of kids that want Mauck now."

Freshman Sam Fisk lived in Galloway Hall last semester and now lives in Simpson Residence. He said that he enjoyed his ability to control room temperature in Galloway but likes the storage in Simpson. He said he would like to see updated furniture in dorm lobbies.

"Once we get on to the next step we'll get more student opinion," Philipp said. "Any ideas are helpful and welcome."

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