By Caitlyn Crenshaw–

As a student at the University of Louisville, you will quickly notice that campus construction, improvements and policy changes are as common as coffee at an 8 a.m. class. Here is a list of some of the ongoing changes to keep you up to date.

Housing

The new freshmen live-on campus policy taking affect fall 2012 isn’t the only upcoming change to U of L housing.  Renovation to the lobby in Louisville Hall will bring more student based spaced with the style of a college student to the suite style dorm. Students living in University Tower Apartments will have new elevators added to their hall. In addition, phase II of Cardinal Towne is expected to be open for students as the newest living option for upperclassmen. Phase II will add an additional student housing building which will contain underground student parking. The freshman live-on policy is expected to add an additional 500 new students living on campus in the fall semester of 2012.

Construction

With the growth of intramural sports and campus recreation, the new $38 million student recreation center is expected to enhance student life with its opening in the fall of 2013.  Until then, the construction, which officially begins in early May 2012, will be located on Fourth Street between Minardi and Kurz Halls.

The north entrance to Belknap Campus from Cardinal Boulevard is being “enhanced.”

The re-designing of the entrance will add landscaping, decorative walls and a water feature. Bicycle lanes will also be added to either side of Cardinal Boulevard. Construction of the entrance has already begun and will continue until its expected completion around mid-August.

Student Engagement Programs

Starting in the fall students can use ULink to track their involvement outside of the classroom with volunteering, extracurricular and other activities.  Student engagement record keeping provides the university with hard data and compiles information in one place for when students write a resume.

Academic Programs

For all incoming students who are undecided majors, the list of academic programs is expanding. The academic programs for a PhD in Pan African Studies, PhD in Justice Administration and Business Essentials in the College of Business have all been approved for the 2012-13 academic calendar. These along with several other proposed programs, such as peace studies, public health, Asian studies and others, that have yet to be approved are expected to widen the academic choices and experience of U of L students.

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Photo: Michelle Eigenheer/The Louisville Cardinal