Smith Renovations Keep Students Involved

By Lyndsey Hrabik
Edited Dec. 1, 2010

Smith Hall renovation designs are now being made.

Julie Schmidt, finance and administration vice president, said the board of trustees approved a payment to Performa to start making design plans. She also said official design and construction plans need to be approved at the February board meeting.

If the designs are approved, construction will begin after classes in May of 2011 and be completed before student athletes arrive in the fall.

Schmidt said the extent of the renovation depends on the finances available, and that a loan is needed to cover the costs of construction.

“We maintain a very conservative debt policy,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said possibilities for the dorm include air conditioning, bigger bathrooms, energy efficient windows and possibly co-ed living.

The theme, Schmidt said, might be a gaming theme, with ping pong tables, foosball and gaming systems. She said recent renovations established the concept of themes with the theater theme in Frees Hall and spa theme in Sheldon Hall.

Sophomore Smith resident Ross Schulenberg said he was looking forward to air conditioning in the hall, because the first couple of weeks of school this year were hot without it.

Schulenberg said he thought Smith should stay an all-male dorm, since Sheldon is all-girl. However, he said he thought all of the dorms could eventually switch to co-ed.
Residence Life Director Kevin Bollinger said the decision about whether or not the hall will switch to co-ed living will be decided before the spring housing selection process. He said it depends on the population of the incoming class.

Bollinger said the general idea for the Smith renovation was to create a hub for the North side of campus, with a feeling of warmth and comfort.

To gain student feedback, Schmidt said groups are being formed to gain input.
A meeting open to all students will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the first floor Smith lounge.

Schulenberg said he liked that students could attend planning meetings.

“I think that’s (meetings are) good because the students are actually helping create the renovations,” Schulenberg said.