Taylor University is exploring the process of building a new dormitory on campus.
Julia Hurlow, dean of Campus Life, said rising enrollment inspired the idea. With 90% of Taylor students residing on campus, the university has a growing need for living spaces.
“We're trying to accommodate growth and maintain this incredible, positive, on-campus student residential culture,” Skip Trudeau, vice president for Student Development and Intercollegiate Athletics, said.
The planning process is in its infant stages, Trudeau said. The Taylor administration is partnering with Taylor Student Outreach (TSO) to organize various focus groups and gather information.
So far, five focus groups have been conducted, including three student focus groups and the Parents Council. The Residence Life and hall directors as well as the Alumni Council will also have an opportunity to offer feedback.
The administration believes the culture of residence halls is extremely important. They want to make sure Taylor’s culture and the students’ experiences remain just as rich even as the school expands.
“How we build in that life together in communal living spaces is really something we have to be very intentional about,” Trudeau said. “And that's what we're trying to do.”
He said most students enjoy the spirit of their individual residence halls but want to see more amenities, such as better laundry spaces and more storage.
“They want what they're living in currently, better and bigger,” he said.
In regard to location, the administration is tentatively leaning toward building on the northern side of campus to balance out the heavily residential south side. Additionally, since Taylor has historically been 55% female and 45% male, the dorm will most likely be a dual-gender or all-female residence.
However, definite plans are a long way off. The administration must finish gathering information and compile it in a report for President Michael Lindsay to review, Trudeau said. By February 2025, the construction timeline and building plans should be more clear.
After they form a better idea of the dorm’s size and location, the administration will put the project out for bid.
Usually, these projects attract 2 to 5 companies interested in the job, including a builder and an architect. After hearing the university’s wish list, these groups will pitch a proposal that shows their vision for the building. Taylor will then choose the team best suited for the project.
Trudeau emphasized the administration’s efforts toward good stewardship of university funds and culture.
He is excited about the possibility of a new dorm on campus and is looking forward to the building process.
Taylor’s need for space is a good problem to have, he said.
“(At Taylor), our questions are, ‘Where are we going to put everybody?’” Trudeau said. “That's a great question to have right now. Most (colleges) are like, ‘Where is everybody?’ So yeah, we're excited about it.”
