SMU to add five new dorms

Lori Stahl
Reporter

SMU's Board of Trustees approved plans Friday to build five new student dormitories to house sophomores, along with freshman who are already required to live on campus.

The new residence halls will have 1,250 beds and will be configured as a residential commons that includes space for classes, dining, social activities and live-in faculty.

A sophomore residency requirement has been under discussion for some time but was largely moot until more housing is built.

The trustees agreed Friday to spend $134.5 million on the project, using funds from a variety of sources. Construction is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed in 2014.

SMU is two years into the public phase of its Second Century Campaign, which to date has raised $452 million in gifts and pledges toward a goal of $750 million.

School officials said the sophomore residency requirement is consistent with recommendations from several task forces, including one designed to reduce substance abuse. They say the residential commons will stimulate a sense of community and increase student engagement with campus activities.

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