“We want to make sure our students get what they deserve, and our focus is to not only improve the curb appeal but also the comfort of our students.
Creating a home away from home is typically the goal for students living on campus. So, when students requested additional items in the residence halls, Bridgewater State University officials listened.
This year, the school has spent $500,000 on upgrades to residence halls that include new furniture, pool tables, ping-pong tables, shuffleboards, outdoor seating areas, fresh paint, new entryway mats, and reupholstered furniture.
Together with student life, Associate Vice President of Operations Mark Carmody and others sat and listened to students who came up with a list of needs.
“We want our students to know that we hear them and value what they have to say, and President (Frederick W.) Clark is sending resources to make it better for our students who want to live here,” Carmody said.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority also funded $1million for Crimson Hall to receive new beds, desks, and furniture for students’ rooms. That installation began over the summer.
Since the new items have arrived, Crimson Hall resident advisor and social work graduate student Zachary Gausland, G’24, noticed an uptick in the number of students hanging out in the common areas last semester, using the pool and ping pong tables.
“I see it being used almost daily every time I’m on duty. It’s become more of a hangout hub than it was before,” he said. “It’s nice to see your fellow community members and residents taking advantage.”
Stonehouse Hall Resident Advisor and communications major Malick Burke, ’24, also noticed an increase in students gathering in shared spaces.
“I see more students in the game room than ever, and I see people hanging out in the lounge area, watching movies and shows while sitting on the couch,” he said. “I am happy with the upgrades because these specific upgrades enhance the Stonehouse community by bringing people together and providing a space for entertainment.”
The feedback has been nice to hear, Carmody said, and he and his staff will continue to keep communication lines with students open as they return to campus this fall.
“We want to make sure our students get what they deserve, and our focus is to not only improve the curb appeal but also the comfort of our students," he said.
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