Arkansas Tech University’s campus has changed a lot since students left for summer break.  The new Baswell Techionery, Tucker Hall, the Hindsman Bell Tower, and the beginning of a new dorm to be opened Fall 2013 are among the changes.

The number of students living in campus housing for the 2011-2012 school year has reached 2,611 students.

During the summer, Tech added housing by renovating Tucker Hall and leasing three buildings, as well as part of another building at Vista Place Apartments for 236 students. 

After major renovations, Tucker Hall was converted it to housing space for the fall semester. The outer stairwells were removed, and the entire building was redone. 

“It is unbelievable.  It looks like a new dorm inside,” said Susie Nicholson, Vice President for Student Affairs. 

The dorm has community style bathrooms with a twist.  Instead of traditional community bathrooms, Tucker features multiple single bathrooms at the end of the hall with a shower, sink, and toilet in each that can be locked and used as a private bathroom.  This allowed Tech to house more students in the building.

Campus Courts won’t be used for housing for the 2011-1012 academic year. 

“There were a number of renovations that were needed to keep it operational, and we decided not to invest in Campus Courts this summer,” Nicholson said.

In fall 2013, a new five story, 290-bed, co-ed residence hall will be opened to students. It “will be a lot like Nutt,” according to Nicholson, but there will be some significant differences.  Plans for the new hall have not yet been completed.

Demand for campus housing at Tech has grown for more than a decade. The number of Tech students living on campus has increased by 207 percent since 1995.

“Our experience has taught us those students who live in university housing perform better academically than those who do not,” said Nicholson. “The educational and social programs offered by our Office of Residence Life enrich the college experience and give our students a sense of belonging.”