NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

6/28/2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES ­ Several weeks of dry weather have been a big help to contractors who are building a new residence hall at Northwestern State University.

The project has progressed smoothly and is running ahead of schedule, according to NSU Director of Auxiliary Services Jennifer L. Anderson.

"The weather over the past few months has allowed the project to proceed quickly," said Anderson.

As construction has continued, those who drive by the site on Tarleton Drive
near the Teacher Education Center and the Health and Human Performance
Building, are beginning to get an idea of what the residence hall will look like.

"We wanted the new residence hall to evoke memories of some of the older
buildings on campus such as Russell Hall and Caldwell Hall," said Anderson. "And people are starting to see that this building will be distinctive. There has been a good response from students. Those who have attended Freshman Connection have seen what is going on and have been enthusiastic."

The 392-bed facility was designed to match what current students are seeking in campus housing. The apartment style complex will include a clubhouse containing a community room with a big screen television and a computer lab. The residence will also have a swimming pool, sand volleyball court, and picnic area.

There are three buildings with three floors in each. Every floor has laundry, vending, a lounge, and a study room. There will also be a staff member living on each floor to assist students. Each two bedroom, two bath apartment comes furnished and includes a common living space, kitchenette, basic cable, local phone, and high speed Internet access. Students have the option of selecting private or double room accommodations and the rent is all inclusive.

The New Residence Hall will provide an excellent alternative to the traditional dorm style while still living on campus," said new hall director Christina Connolley. "We are excited to have so many new NSU students living with us. Being a freshman is an exhilarating experience, but can also be stressful due to all the new transitions taking place. We plan to do our best to help students succeed at Northwestern by providing a community where they can live, learn, and have fun."

Rooms in the new residence hall are being filled on a first come, first serve basis. To look at the project, go to www.campushousing.com/nsu2 <http://www.campushousing.com/nsu2>

There are photos of the project on the site along with a live video feed.

The new residence hall is part of Northwestern's efforts to provide several affordable options in on campus housing.

Students can choose to live in a traditional residence hall with a double occupancy or private room. Northwestern has five co-ed residence halls, Boozman Hall, Bossier Hall, Dodd Hall, Sabine Hall and Varnado Hall. Preference in Boozman Hall is given to students in the Louisiana Scholars' College. The north and east wings of Sabine Hall are for students in the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice Estelle Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. The traditional residence halls cost $1,025 per semester and $1,525 per semester single occupancy.

The new residence hall offers apartment style living and will be open year round. Single occupancy units are $427 per month for 12 months and $444 per month for nine months. Double occupancy units are $378 per month for 12 months and $394 per month for nine months.

A third option is the University Columns complex with efficiency apartments, two bedroom two bath units and four bedroom, two bath units. The cost for the efficiency in the University Columns is $670 per month, the two-bedroom is $447, and the four-bedroom is $310 per month. These rentals are based on a nine-month plan.

"We believe it is important to provide a number of housing options for students and their parents," said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dan Seymour. "Northwestern wants to create a living/learning environment on campus and providing affordable housing is an important first step in making that environment a reality."

Seymour said the university will monitor residency to ensure compliance with on campus residency requirements of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. Under these policies, an unmarried full-time undergraduate student is required to live on campus if space is available, unless exempted by the university. Students who fall under this policy and do not seek an exemption will be assessed the cost of a double occupancy room.

For further information, contact NSU's housing office at (318) 357-6703.

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