News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Rene Abadie Date: 10/22/03   SOUTHEASTERN LOOKING TO UPGRADE CAMPUS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES       HAMMOND – When it comes to campus housing today, it’s no longer your father’s dormitory. The needs and demands of today’s university students are considerably different from those of their parents. The new generation of students arriving on campus today generally expect better quality  residential facilities with more privacy, technological amenities, and space.       Southeastern Louisiana University is looking to meet the needs of current and future students with a phased-in approach of housing development that may include renovation or demolition of some existing residential facilities and possibly building new facilities.       The university has received proposals from five major national companies that specialize in the evaluation, construction and management of campus housing, said Brad O’Hara, vice president for student affairs. A committee comprised of faculty, staff and students has been charged with reviewing the proposals and making recommendations.       Firms submitting proposals include Ambling Corporation, Capstone Development, Century Development, Collegiate Housing and JPI Quarters.       O’Hara said Southeastern currently houses more than 1,700 students on campus, with approximately 600 of these living in relatively new complexes located on the north campus and the remainder in older facilities on the south campus. The two complexes on north campus – which are now at full occupancy – include Southeastern Oaks, an apartment-style facility opened in 1999, and The Village, a residential facility dedicated primarily to Southeastern-based organizations. The Village  opened in 2000.       “We are entering Phase III of our housing plan, which focuses on the south campus housing,” O’Hara said. “Most of those facilities were built in the 1950s and 1960s, so we are evaluating them to determine whether they can be renovated or whether they should be demolished and replaced with new construction.” Tucker Hall, an old-style dormitory built in 1961, is already scheduled for demolition during the December-January semester break.       “Our goals are to renovate facilities where this is feasible or to replace buildings that cannot be salvaged,” O’Hara said. “We anticipate that this will be phased-in based upon student demand.”       The renovated facilities or new construction will feature private and semi-private rooms and baths, full wiring for Internet access and other student amenities.          “Our intent is to provide our students with a variety of housing arrangements, accommodations, and rental structures targeted at different stages of their academic careers,” O’Hara added.  Return to News Releases