Bills Approve New OSU Residence Hall, Student Center

[KEZI9] — Before the special session adjourned Monday night, lawmakers passed a set of bills that approved millions of dollars to help fund new buildings at Oregon State University.

OSU administrators say the funds will go toward building a Student Experience Center, remodeling the east wing of the Memorial Union, and building a new residence hall.

Lawmakers put those projects on hold in 2011 due to concerns about the additional state debt.

Administrators say that didn’t stop students, Oregon University System leaders and OSU’s president from pleading for the projects — especially the new 270-bed residence hall, which will help take care of the lack of housing problem for students in Corvallis.

“This will help by enabling us to house more students on campus here at OSU and contribute to their success as well.  We’ve found that students that live on campus, it’s a great way to get connected and enhance their academic success,” said OSU Housing & Dining Director Tom Scheuermann.

The new 5-story residence hall suites on the east side of campus could open as early as Fall 2014, and will be available to all OSU students.

A classroom building construction project was also put on hold at the end of the last session in June, OSU plans to pitch that project during next year’s legislative session.

Watch the video and see the original story by KEZI’s Heather Turner.