January 22, 2002

Contact: Ranjit Arab, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

KU to renovate Ellsworth hall; freshmen guaranteed housing during construction

LAWRENCE -- Although Ellsworth Hall will be closed for renovation next year, Student Housing officials will make on-campus housing available to all incoming freshman in fall 2002 and spring 2003.

Ken Stoner, director of student housing, said that along with guaranteeing housing for incoming freshmen, his office has provided information outlining housing options for the next academic year for students currently living in residence halls.

Students living in student housing can apply to return to student housing for 2002-03 through the "intent to return" (ITR) process, which is under way. The deadline for ITR cards is Friday, Feb. 15.

Spaces for first-year students will be set aside on the basis of the number of freshmen the housing department traditionally anticipates each year. Returning students who wish to remain in their current rooms will be accommodated next, followed by students currently residing in Ellsworth. The next priority will be given to students who wish to change rooms or hall and will be based on when they return their ITR card. Because of the limited availability, Stoner said single rooms in the residence halls would not be available next year. The Ellsworth Hall renovation will reduce the availability of housing by 450 beds, Stoner said. As a result, about 350 returning students who file late may not receive student housing.

"While it is unfortunate that we may not be able to house all students who want to return next year, the process is designed to be as fair as possible to everyone," said Diana Robertson, associate director of student housing.

Ellsworth Hall will reopen in August 2003. The renovated facility will consist of a variety of suite arrangements, similar to those in Lewis and Templin halls, as well as semi-apartments and traditional two-person rooms. The residence hall system currently has a capacity of 3,600 residents.