Prince Frederick Hall
Department of Resident Life Director Deb Grandner said she and others involved in the Housing Strategic Plan have been working on success strategies since the plan was presented last semester.
Grandner said efforts regarding the plan have focused on four primary goals: new and enhanced residential facilities, serving students who most need housing, developing programs that support high-quality learning communities and unbreakable bonds between students and the university and taking steps to help pay for the plan.
Grander said they have been meeting with Facilities Management’s capital projects department to work on developing the new housing planned on Lot 1. They have also been meeting with the Office of Academic Affairs to discuss how the project could support learning opportunities and enhance the university experience.
The overall estimated cost of the plan remains at about $700 million, and will include the addition of about 3,180 beds to campus housing, the renovation and upgrade of several older housing facilities, the demolition of Old and New Leonardtown apartments, Carroll, Caroline, Wicomico and Worcester halls, and the addition of eight new dorms and two new dining halls, according to the plan proposal.
Sree Sinha, president of the Residence Hall Association, said she has been working closely with Grandner on the plan.
The first building scheduled for renovation under the strategic plan is Cambridge Hall. The hall will be closed as soon as the spring semester is over and will remain closed for a year while upgrades are made, Grander said.
“Plans include upgraded restrooms facilities, new study rooms and improvements that make the hall feel more warm and comfortable for students,” Grandner said. “And, of course, air conditioning.”
Grandner said as far as costs are concerned, Resident Life is developing cost proposals for student housing for the coming years and plans to work with the Student Affairs Development Office to start working on fundraising ideas.
“We have also redirected funds from our own department so that we can lessen the burden on students,” Grandner said.
Grandner said she was excited for everything planned for the campus over the next few years. She said it is important to her that students feel at home on the campus and develop strong ties to the university.
This summer, during a Resident Life collaborative event with the athletic department called “Welcome to the Big Show,” Grandner said she was glad to see the next generation of Terps so excited to be here.
“I personally had so much fun,” Grandner said. “The energy and enthusiasm I saw among the students. This sense of ‘I’m at Maryland’ was really fantastic.”
