New UC Residence Hall Complex Anchors a New Direction in Living and Learning on Campus

On Sept. 20, University of Cincinnati students will move into the first residence hall to be built on campus since 1971. What they may not be aware of is just how much has changed in 30 years.

UC's $39 million Jefferson Residence Hall Complex, a creation based largely on student input, is the first installation in an ambitious plan to form stronger connections between students and the UC community, says Mitchel D. Livingston, UC Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.

"This is just the beginning of a larger plan to make the institution more residential, as we increase the number of students who live on the campus proper and in the areas immediately adjacent to the university," says Livingston.

National research shows just how important campus connections can be. That research suggests that students who live in the residence halls are not only more committed to staying in school, but are also more satisfied with their academic programs.

The modern student also expects a campus living experience that's considerably more private and personal than the students of generations ago. The high-rise, industrial-looking dorm is no longer in the blueprints. The Schneider Hall side of the Jefferson Complex has suites that hold four single bedrooms, a bathroom and living room area. The Turner Hall side has suites with two double bedrooms, a bathroom and living room.

The Jefferson Residence Hall Complex also holds a progressive link to campus living and learning: a 40-person classroom built into the complex. Janice Johnson, director of UC Housing and Food Services, says RA (resident advisor) events, special seminars and Honors programming will be held there.

Spaces at Jefferson filled fast. Close to 350 beds were reserved for Honors Scholars and full scholarship athletes. The other 224 spaces were filled by a lottery of students who previously lived in UC residence halls. The results of the lottery were announced last January. The remaining spaces were allocated for RAs and the assistant residence hall coordinators.

Students living in the older residence halls are also seeing upgrades that involve considerably more than a coat of paint. Recent renovations include better wiring, lighting, plumbing and furniture -- upgrades worth more than $2.6 million. "And as the bonds are retired on the more traditional facilities, they too will be retrofitted to this more modern style," says Livingston.

UC's long-term housing plan will result in 1,300 new living spaces on campus by the year 2015.

Turner and Schneider Residence Halls

Formal Dedication of the Jefferson Residence Hall Complex

UC Student Remembers The Legacies Of Turner and Schneider

The House that UC Built

UC Alum Designs Jefferson's Interior

Updating the Old