Upcoming housing crisis not without its rewards

From fall of 2009 to 2011, UWL will experience a housing crisis. Trowbridge and Baird are being demolished to build the new academic center, Centennial Hall. Because UWL is losing 400 beds, many residents will be living 3 people in a double or 5 people in a study. The response to this has been overwhelmingly negative. Residents are concerned with personal space, closet space, and possible hostile environments. What many students do not know is that 4 years ago UWL faced a similar situation, and people found ways to make it work. With our falling economy, it is especially important to learn to live modestly. Though the conditions are unfavorable, it is important to remain supportive of UWL¹s new buildings.

Other competitive universities are constantly building academic facilities. UWL has not built one since Wimberly in 1974. Updated facilities attract students and allow universities to be more selective, which increases the merit of degrees earned and appeals to employers. Students will be able to avoid makeshift classroom space induced by growing course offerings with Centennial Hall¹s 44 classrooms. Its state-of-the-art technology will better serve students through interactive learning and will decrease UWL¹s environmental impact. The building will provide much of its own energy and may be paper free. UWL will profit from conferences held in its large auditoriums, which will help regulate student fees.

A new residence hall will also be opening in 2011. Its 500 beds will increase on- campus housing by 100 beds, allowing campus to reintroduce studies. Also it will increase enrollment, which will increase revenue.

So while enduring the unfavorable conditions during the housing crisis please be assured that it isn¹t without reward. When the buildings open, UWL will be a better campus and students will benefit greatly.

Yours Sincerely,

Laura Stolp