A number of improvements to the residence halls have been completed prior to the new semester at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
According to E. Thayne King, Residence Life director, about $1.5 million dollars have been spent on renovations to the halls since last spring.
“Most renovation work is done during the summer months, working around summer school housing and summer camps,” King said. “Other work is done during the year if there is no, or limited, disruption to the educational environment for our residents.”
Each year, staff and faculty from the facilities and Residence Life departments meet to discuss items that should be considered and then determine which projects have the most priority for that year. Depending on the funds available for renovation, approved projects can get under way.
“We begin planning each September for the renovation projects to be completed during that fiscal year – Sept. 1 through Aug. 31,” King said.
In the spring, new mattresses were put in every residence hall. More sufficient locks have been installed on all doors and entrances to rooms in all halls but West and Family Housing, which are expected to be completed soon.
King said another improvement was card access systems being installed at the main entrances to Berry and Whitley halls, making them only student and staff to provide a safer living environment for residents. In order to make the different sections easier for the residents to get through, new section doors were also put in.
Berry Hall received the most renovation with all new furniture, lobby windows and carpet, as well as freshly painted walls and a completely redone kitchen. Residents can now enjoy new air hockey and foosball tables.
Worn out doors on the third floor of Smith Hall were also replaced as well as the air conditioning units. This has made it easier for residents to get in and out of their rooms and cool down when it’s hot, according to hall residents.