Ohio State's campus is undergoing a major makeover: the renovation of Thompson Library, the construction of the Lane Avenue parking garage and a new student union set to open in 2010.
The university is also embarking on a $250 million dorm renovation to take place between 2009 and 2012.
According to the university registrar's office, students living in university housing are likely to maintain higher grade point averages and graduate sooner.
The Office of Student Life has invested $150 million in university housing during the last 15 years to improve campus housing, and have plans to invest more to revamp eight student housing facilities including Lincoln Tower, Jones Tower and the south towers.
"The buildings, especially on south campus, were built in a different era," said Ruth Gerstner, from the Office of Student Life. "We want to be able to provide students with more privacy and a modern living space."
Incoming students ranked the quality of residence halls as very important, but give OSU housing facilities a poor rating, according to a survey by the Office of Student Life.
Sophomore roommates Jen Coleman and Malory Weber agree. Coleman said she prefers her current living space in Drackett Tower to her freshman housing on south campus.
"There were things that needed improvement," Coleman said of her freshman dorm. "The bathrooms weren't big enough for all the girls and there wasn't much privacy."
Weber said she enjoys the convenience of sharing a bathroom with only one other person, and both agree they have more privacy living in Drackett Tower.
By 2012 there will be 1,000 additional beds on campus, 90 percent of residence hall spaces will be of double or single occupancy, 81 percent of residence halls will be air-conditioned and 88 percent will offer private or semi-private bathroom areas. The Office of Student Life will have invest $30 million in standard renewal projects in other residence halls.
"University housing is at 100 percent capacity," Gerstner said. "We are trying to create a good living environment for students, one that is less crowded."
Some students will experience changes as early as 2010. Renovation in Lincoln Tower will begin in April, and by fall 2010 floors one through 15 will be converted from offices to living space. Renovations in Jones Tower will begin July and will be completed fall 2010.
The south towers will receive renovations including air-conditioning units and conversion of community bathrooms to private bathrooms. Renovation on the south towers will begin June 2010 and will continue until August 2012. There will also be renovation in the Hall Complex with an addition of 410 beds.
During remodeling, housing facilities will need to be shut down. Arrangements have been made so the renovation process can run as smoothly for students as possible, Gerstner said. Lincoln Tower's new 15 floors of living space will accommodate students unable to live in residence halls under renovation.
To pay for the multi-million dollar renovation project, student room and board fees will annually increase over the next several years. The Office of Student Life is seeking funds that will help limit the fee increase.
Michelle Sullivan can be reached at sullivan.423@osu.edu.
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