Student Life

Refreshed Residences The results of making something old, new again can be measured in the increasing demand for on-campus housing from students well beyond their freshman year.

Since 1997, the University has made steady progress in the $65 million, seven-year plan to completely renovate its residence halls and the landscapes around them. Through the systematic closure, renovation, and re-opening of the buildings, the improvements have allowed the University to create the “Freshman Village,” starting with Barlow and Weldin Halls in 2000 and 2001. These were followed by Bressler Hall (Sept. ’01), Butterfield (Jan. ’02) and Browning (Sept. ’02).

Completion of Browning Hall signified the end of the six-building Freshman Village and the first phase of the $65 million project. This phase was completed on time and on budget. This year for the first time a residence hall, Browning, has become affiliated with a specific college—the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. The college engages in outreach and other activities with the students. Cost: $65 million.

Dining Delights In addition to the residential renovations, major improvements were also made to the food preparation area at Butterfield Dining Hall. The food preparation improvements, which include the kitchen, dish room and storage facilities, were the culmination of a three-year plan to make Butterfield a state-of-the art food service facility. Funds for the Butterfield work came entirely from operating and fund-balance dollars. Cost: Included in residence hall renovations. See above.

Women’s Center The URI Women’s Center moved to the Upper College Road neighborhood in 2002. Next to Newman Hall, students, faculty, staff, and visitors find the Violence Prevention Program and the Women’s Center office in the former Phi Sigma Kappa house. There is also a residential component for women in science and technology, which is based on the model established with the successful URI International Engineering Program. Cost: $950,000.

Memorial Union The hub of student activities, the Memorial Union renovation project added 20,000 square feet to enhance everything from student activities office space, the bookstore, the America’s Cup Room, and the Ram’s Den cafeteria. The Ram’s Den, with its food court design, opened to rave reviews in January of 1994. Cost: $5.3 million.