Students to find new home on campus in 2007
By Alexandra Cash
Staff Writer
About four years ago, research began in hopes of building a student housing complex on Jackson Community College's campus. Now that hope is becoming a reality. The new housing complex will be ready for students in fall 2007.
The first residence hall will be three stories and total 38,800 square feet, said Cindy Allen, director of community relations. It will hold 25 fully furnished units, housing up to 96 students.
Each unit consists of four single bedrooms, a common living area and two bathrooms, Allen said. A kitchen area and dining island also will be included for student's use.
Each floor will have a community lounge and study areas. Students will be able to hang out on the rooftop terrace or the ground level patio. Common laundry and vending areas will be available. Bicycles and other outdoor recreational equipment can be kept in storage rooms. A small convenience store will be in the building.
Because students will be on campus 24 hours a day, seven days per week, security measures will be added, Allen said. Lighting, exterior emergency phones and cameras will be installed. After hours, students will be able to enter only at a single entrance with an access card. A live-in manager will supervise the building.
The rent for each student will be $425 to $450 per month, including utilities, cable television and high speed Internet.
The goal of the project is not just to provide a bed for students, Allen said. Dorms will help students receive a more rounded and rewarding college experience, she said.
According to "Realizing the Educational Potential of Residence Halls" by Charles Schroeder and Phyllis Mable, living on campus affects students in many ways. They participate more in social and cultural events on campus, and seem to be more satisfied with college, they said.
If the project does as well as expected, Allen said, another complex with 48 units will be built, along with a central square, community building and parking for 60 cars.
Students will be able to see a scaled-down version of what a unit will look like and see how the apartments will be furnished during the second week of May. The model will be on the second floor of the Potter Center.