Category: News

Siobhan Murray

Staff Writer

Speak UP’s growth is part of national trend

Speak UP Bucknell has continued to grow this semester as both athletic groups and Greek organizations have made conscious efforts to become involved. Members of the men’s crew team, for example, decided to participate in a presentation. Fraternities have also asked to attend a sexual misconduct related program this semester and chose to take the Speak UP program.

Last semester, the Speak UP program replaced the Transition to College class that had previously provided specific presentations for all first-year students. Speak UP Bucknell was founded in Jan. 2012 as part of the University’s ongoing efforts to help prevent sexual assault, dating violence and stalking on campus. The program is a partnership between Psychological Services and the Women’s Resource Center, and is facilitated by student peer educators, as well as modeled on the University of New Hampshire’s program “Bringing in the Bystander.”

The Speak UP program is headed by Marie Shaw, assistant director of Psychological Services, and Tracy Shaynak, director of the Women’s Resource Center. The peer education program is facilitated by 21 students who work to make the program interactive by promoting conversation during the presentations. The program is founded on the idea of the bystander effect.

“We intentionally created the program to be centered around students’ voices, so that the education came from them rather than solely from the administration,” Shaynak said.

“[The program] being student-run fosters dialog between the presenter and the group easier and more comfortable,” Chris Seery ’14, co-captain of the men’s crew team said.

Seery added that having student-run presentations means that students can provide input about perceptions and stereotypes on campus that faculty and staff may not have been aware of previously.

The idea that all members of a community have a role in stopping sexual assault and violence is an important one for the Speak UP program. The program does not focus on talking to students as if they’re potential victims or potential perpetrators.

“We want to train them to see situations where something is wrong,” Shaynak said. “The traditional program may have made men feel as if they were perpetrators, but we think this one may resonate with men more.”

According to the Speak UP team, this push towards a campus change in how to perceive sexual assault is central in eliminating the many incidents that happen because of miscommunication.

“Sexual assault, dating violence and stalking are difficult issues to confront, and there is considerable work that lies ahead, but the answers will ultimately come when enough students are not only willing to recognize that it’s time for change, but are also willing to speak up and make a difference,” Shaynak said.

“This problem is nationwide, but being proactive is a great first step for us as a college community to take,” Seery said.

In Nov. 2012, the program received a $300,000 Department of Justice grant that will allow the program to provide additional education in the areas of dating violence and stalking, as well as a new Interpersonal Violence Prevention Coordinator. In the University’s application for the grant, the school reported that about one in three female students indicated being the victim of a rape or attempted rape in the University’s 2010 Sexual Experiences Survey, according to a December 2012 Daily Item article. This is compared to the 20 to 25 percent rate of the National Sexual Experience Survey. A 2011 survey by the American College Health association found that 17 percent of University women reported being touched sexually without their consent within the past year, compared to the 12.4 percent national rate.

The University’s responses to sexual assault have been in the spotlight since the 2010 incident on campus where a female student filed a lawsuit for sexual assault. The male student was later cleared of the charges.

The national spotlight on sexual assault increased as the House of Representatives approved a Senate bill in February to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The House passed federal legislation aimed at combating campus sexual violence, including the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, known as Campus SaVE, which looks to reform how colleges treat sexual violence and stalking on campus. In it, schools will have to include reports of dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in their annual crime statistics.

For more information on the Speak UP program, visit the Speak UP page on the University website.

“It is every student of this campus who has the ability to make a real difference by saying something when they see something that doesn’t seem right, watching out for their friends and others and standing up for those who have been victimized so that they receive the care and support they deserve,” Shaynak said.

Christina Oddo

News Editor

“Phage Hunters” identify the genetic codes of viruses.

“Phage Hunters,” taught by Marie Pizzorno, biology department chair and associate professor of biology, and Emily Stowe-Evans, associate professor of biology, offers sophomores the unique opportunity to identify the genetic codes of bacteria-eating viruses through hands-on research in a classroom environment.

Through this class, students learn more about new fields of biology, including bioinformatics and genomics. These fields bring together the studies of both computer science and biology; students even gain experience using high-tech bioinformatic computer programs.

In this course, the analyzing of genome sequences is accomplished by the isolation of the phage from its environment. A phage, or bacteriophage, is a virus that infects bacteria. This course allows students to explore molecular biology through this isolation.

Pizzorno described how the students use soil samples to isolate the phage that infects a nonpathogenic mycobacterium. This nonpathogenic bacterium is distantly related to a type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis, as well as other human infections.

“Each student’s virus is unique and they get to name them and enter the information about their phage into a national database,” Pizzorno said. “Each student then characterizes their virus with transmission electron microscopy and DNA analysis. Over winter break we have the genome of one or more of the class’ phage sequenced. In the spring semester, the students learn to use computer programs to decide where all of the protein coding sequences in the phage genome are located. This is called annotating a genome. The final genome sequence and the class’ annotation are then submitted to Genbank and become a resource for other scientists to use.”

“It was amazing isolating my own virus and naming it (my phage’s name is Whim),” Katie Wimmer ’15 said. “It was also so interesting figuring out how the simple base pairs (As, Ts, Gs and Cs) turn into proteins.”

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) awarded the University a Science Education Alliance (SEA) grant, resulting in this new opportunity for sophomore research.

“Dr. Emily Stowe and myself received funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to start the courses and run them for a minimum of three years,” Pizzorno said. “This is our last year of funding, but we will keep the courses going with supplies from the biology department and funding from the Provost’s office for DNA sequencing.”

As part of “Phage Hunters,” students work on individual research projects with the help and mentorship of two faculty members.

“One of my favorite things is how although there is some guiding by the professors, the students get lots of leeway in deciding how they are going to carry out their experiments,” Ben Goodwin ’15 said. “It’s a great way to develop skills that I don’t believe are taught in any other class on campus. It’s also nice how the class parallels what we’re doing in our other bio[logy] classes because it gives us a chance to apply what we’ve learned and it makes it much more interesting.”

Further, through the course, the chances that students will be able to isolate a never-before-studied phage are likely.

“Professor Pizzorno and Professor Stowe-Evans never know just what kind of phage a student might get, but they are there to help us sort through our ideas until we come to a conclusion that we are confident in and have evidence to support,” Alexis Galaini ’15 said. “This makes the course challenging and frustrating at times but in the long run will benefit us when we engage in higher-level research here at Bucknell and beyond in our professional careers.”

There is even a potential for students to contribute to renowned journal publications by the end of their sophomore year, as well as to attend regional SEA/HHMI seminars and conduct summer research at another SEA institute. Students who participate in “Phage Hunters” have great potential to advance their research as part of a national network of scientists and researchers. Students therefore have the ability to contribute to phage genomics as a whole.

“’Phage Hunters has been a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in a laboratory setting using techniques that are relevant to a number of professional career paths,” Brian Vassallo ’15 said. “Such opportunities are relatively rare in the undergraduate world and it’s been a wonderful learning experience that has definitely helped shape my plans for after college. The laboratory work has not always been easy or successful, but this is exactly what working in a true lab feels like.”

The program, which includes the University and 40 other academic institutions, offers two courses involving research in both molecular genetics and genomics. According to Pizzorno, each of the two courses for the program count for 0.5 credits and can be taken by sophomores in the biology, neuroscience or cell biology or biochemistry majors.

“As a bio[logy] major, ‘Phage Hunters’ part I (taken first semester sophomore year) really improved my wet-lab skills,” Galaini said. “This is the part of the class where we actually isolate and purify a large quantity (high titer) of phage from our individual soil samples. ‘Phage Hunters’ part II improved my analytical, computer and critical-thinking skills. This second part of the class focuses on using the computer to analyze and annotate characteristics of the phages sequenced genome. These skills were honed in a class setting, but with research in mind, so we were not told every step of the way what to do; part of this class is to see for yourself what works best/what is going on.”

“We started with 12 students in the first year, 14 last year and enrolled our maximum class this year of 16 students,” Pizzorno said. “We are currently taking applications for next year’s class.”

To apply, interested students are encouraged to visit the “Phage Hunters” site on the University web page. The successes and contributions of the students of “Phage Hunters” are ample and will continue to expand in the future.

“The point of these courses is to give students an authentic research experience in the context of a class,” Pizzorno said. “All of the viruses we discover are novel and may be used by other scientists one day. The students in the class are contributing real science knowledge to the larger community. In addition, they are learning how to analyze data, critically think about their work and explore new topics.”

Be a Force of Nature at Bucknell

FEMA, NOAA Launch National Severe Weather Preparedness
Week March 3-9

Brad Meyer

Contributing Writer

The past few years have served as a difficult reminder that severe weather can strike anytime and any place. Nearly every region of the country experienced some form of extreme weather, from hurricanes to snowstorms to tornadoes and even a historic derecho–a rare and violent line of thunderstorms. Even the Lewisburg community suffered from severe flooding in Sept. 2011, which devastated families and structures downtown and caused the evacuation of several areas of the campus.

Krissy Brundage ’13 is from Colts Neck, N.J., only a few miles inland from where Superstorm Sandy made landfall in October.

“One of my friends didn’t protect and reinforce the windows to his apartment. When they returned, the windows were smashed and sand covered the floor. The power outage even knocked out wireless towers for days in some areas, leaving many uninformed and in the dark,” Brundage said.

In these situations, even small details like a battery-powered radio were vital to receiving information and updates from local authorities. Megan Maschal ’13 from Beach Haven, N.J. was also hard-hit by Sandy.

“Social media actually saved us during the aftermath. It was the only way to know or see what was going on. The best preparation anyone could really do in our situation was evacuate, and the town was strict with enforcing that before Sandy hit and in the following weeks. The Red Cross was fast to respond with food and water,” Maschal said. “[Even with the media hype beforehand], we had no idea it would be that bad.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) insists when destruction and loss is inevitable, there are steps that can be taken to ensure readjusting, rebuilding and recovering can be as quick and painless as possible. Each year, many people are killed or seriously injured by severe weather, flooding, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms, despite advance warning. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries nationwide.

FEMA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have partnered to highlight the importance of making severe weather preparedness a nationwide priority. Recently, NOAA teamed up with FEMA’s National Preparedness Coalition to announce the launch of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week whose principles can be applied at the University.

Reflecting on some of the recent tragic weather, they are calling on you to “Be a Force of Nature.” Knowing your risk, taking action and being an example for others are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared and assist in saving lives. Join FEMA in becoming “A Force of Nature,” by Pledging to Prepare and follow these steps before severe weather affects our area.

Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where we live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and visit ready.gov/severe-weather to learn more about how to be better prepared and how you can protect your family during emergencies. Sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials and obtain a weather radio. Severe weather comes in many forms and your emergency preparedness and shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Pledge and take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Post the plan in your home where family members and visitors can see it, and make sure your hall takes the same steps as well. Learn how to strengthen your home and business against severe weather. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service. Stay informed by having multiple sources for weather alerts–NOAA Weather Radio, Weather.gov and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Subscribe to receive alerts at www.weather.gov/subscribe.

Be an example: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered through your social media network. Studies show that individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting–be one of those sources.

Building a weather-ready nation requires the action of each and every one of us. A weather-ready nation is building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. Pledge to be prepared and learn more at ready.gov/severe-weather and Weather-Ready Nation and encourage the University community to “Be a Force of Nature.”

Playwright Leigh Fondakowski

Kerong Kelly

Playwright Leigh Fondakowski addressed a small gathering of students and professors on Feb. 27 in the Elaine Langone Center Forum regarding her recent work on the Jonestown massacre.

November of 2013 will mark the 35th anniversary of the Jonestown massacre, in which 918 people committed mass suicide at their compound in Guyana after they were ordered to by Jim Jones, who had declared himself a divine being. Gruesome scenes of the aftermath of the tragedy were widely broadcast on American television.

The Griot Institute for Africana Studies has hosted a number of events to explore topics of race, religion, power and identity, in a lecture series entitled “Jonestown Reconsidered, 35 Years Later” which aims to create a forum for students, professors, artists and scholars to engage in a conversation about the Jonestown massacre.

The series featured Fondakowski, author of the “The People’s Temple,” who spoke of the process of transforming historical events into art. Fondakowski, an Emmy-nominated co-screenwriter for an adaptation of “The Laramie Project” for HBO, is also a co-writer of “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later.” “The People’s Temple,” a collection of interviews from survivors of the Jonestown massacre, is a vivid depiction of a historical tragedy.

Fondakowski said that her play is not solely the story of mass death. She did not want to depict the tragedy solely through one lens. Fondakowski also spoke about her first interview with Stephan Jones, Jim Jones’ son, where he brought a folder labeled “The Other Side of Jim Jones,” containing candid photos of his father. As a playwright, Fondakowski was faced with the challenge of representing a wide variety of perspectives on stage. To do so, she humanized Jim Jones through Stephan, but remained faithful to survivor’s accounts.

“The words of the people are how we tell the story,” Fondakowski said.

Going into the interview process, Fondakowski decided not do extensive research before encountering the survivors in order to keep an open perspective and an unbiased point of view.

The various stage adaptations of “The People’s Temple” include the usage of boxes of archives and the passport photos of survivors as well as those who lost their lives at Jonestown. During one specific production, members of the audience attempted to climb onto the stage in order to look at the photos more closely.

Fondakowski said several times that it was not her role to determine what was true and what was not true. She is currently working on a screenplay with the hope that it will become a mini series rather than a straight feature.

“I really appreciate how Bucknell is bringing in such a wide variety of speakers–from family members to survivors to artists, etc. Everyone brings a different perspective on Jonestown. I think the most important thing is that they all seem to want to ‘humanize’ the people of Jonestown and to dispel the notion that People’s Temple members were crazy, Kool-Aid drinking cultists,” said Chloe Drennen ’15, a student currently taking a class on the Jonestown Massacre taught by Professor of English Carmen Gillespie and Professor Emeritus Bob Gainer.

Information from Siobhan, Edited by Christina.

Diversifying the Greek Series: Race and Ethnicity took place 8 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Terrace Room. It was hosted by Interfraternity Council and facilitated by Common Ground.

The event highlighted issues and conversation surrounding race and ethnicity in the Greek System.

This event, only open to Greek members, was comprised of student-led discussion and safe space conversation. Students were not allowed to wear their letters.

KLARC initiatives

Emily Welch

Contributing Writer

The push to improve the University Student Recreation Program did not stop after President John Bravman’s announcement about new late-night hours at the Kenneth Langone Athletic and Recreation Center (KLARC) in mid-November. There is no denying that the University has an impressively active student body, with 75 percent of incoming students having lettered in at least one varsity sport prior to arrival. This creates a high demand for extra recreational opportunities in the realm of club sports, intramural activities and fitness classes.

The recent addition of late-night classes such as Hour of Power Yoga, Booty Barre and Zumba intends to accommodate the needs of students who might have class or prior commitments during the day and during afternoon gym hours.

“I love the late night gym hours because it alleviates the pressure of choosing between going to the gym or doing homework,” Rob Cavanaugh ’16 said. “I can always get my work done before the gym closes because it stays open later.”

Many students, faculty members and representatives from the administration have been busy working to shepherd new KLARC initiatives and fitness opportunities aiming to foster a healthy lifestyle among the student community. This small core team meets as “focus” groups to discuss and review the success, progress and demands of the recreational programs in order to decide how to best allocate the University’s resources and funding to improve the wellness and lifestyle choices of the community.

This team is comprised of members chosen by John Hardt, director of Athletics and Recreation, because of their involvement in and perspective of recreational activities on campus. Michael Wald ’13 serves on the committee to give a student’s perspective and complements representatives from the administration such as Ed Loftus, director of Business Planning. Together they work with other committee members to complete a detailed review of current program offerings, available resources and communication methods to enhance student awareness of the opportunities available to them. Loftus deems the main purpose of these focus sessions as conducting a “holistic review of student needs.”

One of the challenges is deciding how to maximize finances and space. One of the issues brought up within the group has been the long wait for treadmills during rush hours at the KLARC. While it would be easy if the solution were to spend more money and buy additional treadmills or high-demand fitness equipment, the KLARC does not have limitless funding, space or power availability. Instead, Loftus suggests that a more creative approach might be needed such as determining which machines are underutilized and could be replaced with machines such as treadmills that seem to be the most popular pieces of equipment. Issues such as these circulate during meetings and are high on the docket to be addressed and solved after the committee finishes focus group meetings.

Another debated issue is the accessibility of trainers for athletes on club teams and programs. Not being able to make an appointment with any of the athletic trainers to get taped or have an injury checked out puts these athletes in a tough position, because as Loftus acknowledges, “there is no real access there but they get injured every bit as much as varsity athletes,” making this a prominent problem for students.

“It is understandable that in a training situation the varsity athletes should take precedence, but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be any access for other athletes,” Kelsey Fletcher ’14, member of the Bucknell Dance Company said. “We all practice just as hard and should all have the ability to get medical attention for sports-related injuries without having to leave campus.”

Other students who sustain injuries don’t know where to turn to get the medical help they need.

“I would have loved to have seen the trainer, but I assumed I couldn’t so I didn’t try,” Running Club member Chris Dunne ’15 said.

Although this issue is slightly outside the scope of KLARC initiatives, there is a separate Health Care initiative that Loftus and Hardt are heading, directed entirely at creating a strategic plan for sports medicine and the allocation of health resources such as athletic trainers available to students.

So far, these focus group meetings and initiatives have been a significant success and have garnered notable praise from students; late night classes have become popular and are often bustling with participants. The committee plans to continue meetings through May, when review and considerations of recommendations will occur. It hopes to implement new changes by Fall Semester 2013 and throughout the 2013-2014 academic year.

Looking forward to the construction of new senior residential housing uphill and Academic West prompts the consideration of renovating pre-existing outdoor spaces and creating new venues. Spaces such as basketball and volleyball courts have already been revamped since the fall. Loftus added that the volleyball courts are currently blocked off by concrete in order to install lighting to enable and encourage future evening usage.

Students are encouraged to get involved with the decision making behind the new recreational initiatives by providing feedback and suggestions via the Our Bucknell suggestion box in myBucknell. Additionally, if you have detailed thoughts on the review or potential enhancements, please contact Loftus to engage the core team in discussion.

Christina Oddo

News Editor

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society initiated 165 new members Feb. 26, holding an initiation ceremony in Larison Dining Hall at 5 p.m.

Alpha Lambda Delta has been honoring first-year students in over 250 institutions of higher education for the past 80 years. This national organization recognizes students who have maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher and are in the top 20 percent of their class in their first year of higher education.

According to the Alpha Lambda Delta Facebook page, the organization constitutes a community of over 100,000 recognized students in the United States, and over 700,000 graduates of the society nationwide.

Article II of the Alpha Lambda Delta Constitution states that “the purpose of the society shall be to encourage superior scholastic achievement among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning and to assist women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society.”

According to Alpha Lambda Delta’s national website, their motto is “we shall pass our torches on, one to another.”

Provost Mick Smyer was the invited speaker for the ceremony. He spoke to the new members about leadership, as well as the importance of undergraduate education.

After Provost Smyer’s speech and the actual initiation ceremony, when the students signed the chapter roll and officially became members, Dylan & Maverick, a three-piece band from Williamsport, Pa., performed both covers and original songs for the students during dinner. Tyler Bogaczyk ’15 knew the members of the band personally and arranged for the band to come.

“The ceremony and dinner itself were lovely and very nicely planned,” Connor McLaughlin ’16 said. “The food was particularly excellent. It is truly an honor to be a part of this prestigious society here at Bucknell.”

According to Co-President Kathryn Modugno ’14 the dinner was a new idea this year.

“This year’s ceremony was particularly special since it marked our chapter’s 75th anniversary on campus,” Modugno said. “The other officers and I are very excited this year to help Alpha Lambda Delta have a more active presence at Bucknell.”

Chapter officers include Co-Presidents Kristen Ronca ’14 and Modugno, Vice President Rachel Greenberg ’15, Secretary Paden Troxell ’15 and Treasurer Bogaczyk. Lynn Breyfogle, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Karen T. Marosi, Associate Dean of Engineering, are the Chapter Advisors.

“We are looking forward to working with the new members and helping them become more involved in the Lewisburg community through service projects,” Modugno said.

 

Katey Duffy

Contributing Writer

 

Pat Benatar will be this year’s Chrysalis performer on April 26 in Gerhard Fieldhouse.

Some of Benatar’s famous hits include “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” She has won a total of four Grammys, and the A.C.E. committee looks forward to this year’s event. Benatar, a New York City native, will be visiting the University for the first time this spring.

“Pat Benatar is such a funky and fun singer. Her music really inspired me to envision a pop-art theme for Chrysalis this year: think Andy Warhol, bright colors and cool decorations. I’m so excited for the event and hope everyone else is, too!” Jen Lassen ’15, A.C.E Traditions Chair, said.

The event will kick off at 8:30 p.m. and students of all ages, as well as faculty and community members, are encouraged to attend this University tradition. Guests are asked to dress in semi-formal attire for the festivities, and hot appetizers will be served along with an extravagant chocolate fondue station.

“Chrysalis is one of my favorite events at Bucknell, and I think Pat Benetar is going to be a great act this year,” said Zack Beltran ’13, current Concert Committee Chair and former Traditions Committee Chair. “Choosing an artist requires appealing to a large age range, considering that students, faculty, administration, trustees, alumni and friends of Bucknell attend Chrysalis. When I organized Chrysalis two years ago, we hosted Creedence Clearwater Revisited, and last year we hosted the Village People. I think choosing Pat Benetar is another great addition to the history of Chrysalis artists. Her music is upbeat and very 80s! As a senior, I’m looking forward to attending Chrysalis and can’t wait to see how current Traditions Chair, Jen Lassen, puts together the night.”

Tickets go on sale at the CAP center or at other campus box office locations starting on March 18. If you buy your tickets before April 8, the price for students is $15 and for other Lewisburg community members it is $30. Ticket prices rise after April 8 to $20 per student and $35 for others. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the night of April 26 with prices being $25 for students and $40 for others.

“We are very excited to welcome another American Idol winner to Uptown, almost four years after the incredibly successful David Cook concert following his win,” Stephanie Wyld ’14 Uptown Manager said.

“We feel that Lee has a great sound that fits Uptown and is different from the big concerts the school brings,” Wyld said.

Uptown managers and staff are excited for students, faculty and guests to have the chance to see this rising star perform before he makes it big like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks.

“The Uptown staff is excited for what will be another memorable night,” Emilie Ratajczak ’15 Uptown Manager said.

The concert is FREE and doors will open at 8:50 p.m. Those attending must bring their BUID; one guest per BUID is permitted.   For more information, check Lee DeWyze out at https://www.facebook.com/leedewyze and his debut single “Sweet Serendipity” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SaSxJkH5do

 

Uphill housing plans

Siobhan Murray and William M Fierman

 

As The Bucknellian reported last week, plans for new uphill residential housing were approved by the board of trustees in April of 2010 and are now moving steadily towards reality.

After they had been approved, the plans were subject to changes recommended by a study of student experiences at the University by the new president and dean of students. These included the addition of more public spaces where students can congregate informally and for events such as speakers.

Each residence hall will include four-person units that include a living room, as well as a central space for the building. The images taken from the University Master Plan include one of an atmospheric atrium with several-story high windows overlooking a common green space. The buildings will be constructed in the large open field behind the Bertrand Library and the ongoing Academic west construction site. The plan will also include a field for recreational sports and activities.

The plan has been in the works since 1998, when the Board of Trustees found non-university housing downtown, fraternity housing and the mods to be lacking and steadily declining in quality. The university has since hoped to cut down on the amount of students living off campus and consolidate the student body onto the campus. The new housing will also serve to expand the residential education programs the university already offers.

The buildings will house 340 students, which means 250 more students will be living on campus than do currently.