Alabama State University is moving forward with plans to construct new residential apartments to accommodate its growing student population after it was approved by the university’s board of trustees.
Rakesha Hines, Ph.D., assistant vice president of student affairs and director of Housing and Residence Life, highlighted how this expansion will positively impact the university, especially as enrollment increases and retention rates continue to rise.
“I think that it will impact the university in a positive manner due to enrollment increasing and ensuring that we provide the service to the students that are new students and our returning students,” Hines said. “The great thing about Alabama State University, where we’re at right now, is that our retention rate is growing significantly. So, that means that a lot of students are returning year after year until they graduate. So, that means, for us as a university, that we’re able to provide a service for students that may need to reside here on the campus of Alabama State University.”
With more students seeking on-campus housing, the additional spaces created by the new residence halls are expected to ease some of the pressure faced by the university’s current facilities.
“More space, of course, would help,” Hines explained. “The waitlist, which I like to call the standby list, would definitely help alleviate some of the stressors that our current students have. However, I want to be clear that our students have to ensure that they do what is mandated for them to actually achieve housing. First-year students need to ensure that they are admitted to Alabama State University, and our returning students need to ensure that they have registered for classes for that upcoming school year in order to obtain housing.”
Hines praised the university’s ongoing efforts to assist students despite the current challenges.
“Even in those challenges, the Department of Housing and Residence Life and the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management have really, really gone above and beyond to ensure that we assist our students even now.”
The new residence halls are also expected to enhance the sense of community on campus. While some students may prefer individual living spaces, Hines emphasized the importance of fostering interaction among residents.
“I am a community builder, so I’m hoping that with these new amenities, I’m thinking that it may be kind of an apartment style. Even though the student may have that opportunity to be in an individual space, it still builds community among our students. I really hope that within the construction we look holistically to building community.”
Hines noted that students often desire amenities such as refrigerators, stoves and cooking spaces in common areas, but she hopes the focus will remain on creating communal environments.
“For me, it’s about the common areas, the study rooms, all those things for staff and students to kind of bridge the gap and build community in that residence hall and on the campus.”
Beyond just meeting the immediate needs of housing, Hines believes the new construction will energize the campus and show the university’s commitment to growth and improvement.
“Anytime you see something new on campus or you see a university moving forward to engage students, that shows our student population and community that we are building, we are moving toward the future. I think that always highlights anyone’s idea of either returning or coming to Alabama State University.”
Looking ahead, Hines confirmed that the university has both short-term and long-term plans in place to further support students and enhance the campus environment.
“There are long-term plans and there are short-term plans, as everyone saw at the board of trustees meeting recently. We’re looking to the future, and we have to know that every step we take is moving toward that future,” Hines said. “I think the university and administration are looking at where we’re going as an institution and how we can further get there and provide the services to our students. I’m just happy to be in some of the rooms to experience this growth and expansion here at Alabama State University.”