“I don’t know if (construction) is going to be a continuous thing, but once you get rolling, it’s easier to leave the construction crews where they are then to call them back,” said Xavier spokesperson Laurel Bauer. She noted that the university’s new residence hall — its largest, with capacity for 535 students — and 700-seat dining facility are open. At 245,000 square feet, the combined facility is the second largest on campus.
Students will also have an expanded range of academic options, as Xavier introduces two new undergraduate majors. The university’s Williams College of Business will offer a degree in actuarial science, geared toward preparing graduates for careers identifying and evaluating risk. And a degree in health services administration will complement the College of Social Sciences, Health, and Education’s top-ranked master’s degree program in the same discipline.
One more expansion will command students’ attention this fall and winter: the city of Cincinnati is in the process of widening Dana Avenue where it runs past campus. Bauer said the project will add an esplanade in the center of the road, making it easier and safer for students to cross the road.
Students will likely encounter reminders of Xavier’s history in their first few weeks on campus, but will hopefully only hear stories about the ‘Dana dash’ students had to make for years across that busy street.
Bauer said the university is evaluating its buildings, and will likely continue working on renovation and upgrade projects throughout the Class of 2015’s time on campus.
“I think we just realize that our buildings are aging,” she said, noting that while the university might consider replacing Alter Hall in 2013, the class that is just starting its college career won’t be stuck dealing with four years of heavy campus construction.
“It will go in phases, but there will probably be a little downtime for now,” she said.
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