Earlier this year, in her first presentation to students, staff, and stakeholders, newly appointed WCU President Laurie Bernotsky stated on record that student housing was a priority of her administration. I believe her exact words were: “It has become abundantly clear to me during my first weeks as president that we must, we absolutely must find a way to overcome our student housing shortage.”
However, stating something is a priority and demonstrating noticeable action toward that goal are not the same thing. According to housing documents I found online, in 2007, West Chester University had plans to demolish and replace six of its residence halls.
“A long-range plan to replace six of the other residence halls with new structures is being developed, while Goshen and Killinger Halls will remain in place,” a Building Summary report reads.
Of course, we know how that went – or didn’t.
This week I had the chance to speak with President Bernotsky about campus housing plans and actions. So do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Accessing the Current Situtation
I’m going to start with the good news. There is another long-term plan in the works. “With the help of a campus master planning firm, we are currently finalizing a comprehensive facility master plan that identifies opportunities to add to, as well as improve, our existing infrastructure,” she shared. While the plan was originally teased this summer as being ready this fall, they are not quite there yet. “We continue to gather thoughts within the University community,” she said but she did promise to share it when it’s completed.
Details of the new plan are vague – and are no longer likely to call for the demolition of the majority of the school’s dorms. So far discussions have pointed to one new building with renovations planned for several others. I tried to get Dr. Bernotsky to name names but all I got was a diplomatic, “We are looking at all options.” She did, however, share that the plan will include both “creative opportunities” to increase on-campus housing and renovations to existing buildings.
“With the help of a campus master planning firm, we are currently finalizing a comprehensive facility master plan that identifies opportunities to add to, as well as improve, our existing infrastructure.”
Laurie Bernotsky, West Chester University President
The cost of building
Now, for the not-so-good news. Any new dorm is a good five years out.
“Renovations and new construction depend on WCU obtaining funding,” Dr. Bernotsky explained. “The University’s analysis calls for spending a minimum of a half billion dollars to build a new residence hall and renovate several others.”
“Upon approval and funding, the construction of a new 700- to 800-occupancy residence hall could possibly start within four or five years,” she continued.
While that’s not great news for residents or the 800 or so students sitting on the student housing waitlist, WCU is starting to take action.
Setting up for action
“We are excited and thankful that West Goshen Township approved the University’s request to add short-term housing on campus in an innovative way,” said Dr. Bernotsky.
That innovative solution is a series of prefab modular dorms, which will be located in the M1 Lot and house up to 128 students. The temporary units will help free up dorm space so renovations can begin.
“This temporary housing will provide the swing-space needed to begin deferred maintenance projects on other on-campus housing units while we pursue authorization to renovate existing buildings or add something new for a greater number of beds,” said Dr. Bernotsky.
While it is nice to hear serious plans are in the works, the University knows the time to act is now. Those modular units will need to be removed in five years.
Originally published on Nov. 22, 2024
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