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In the Fall 2015 semseter, Saint Xavier University has decided to reopen Pacelli Hall. This decision comes on the heals of decreasing numbers of students interested in living on campus.
Although the Riviera Apartment Complex in Evergreen Park will no longer be available to undergraduate students, Pacelli Hall will be open, offering new and updated features with a lower monetary rate in comparison to living within one of the quad halls.
In an interview with the Xavierite via email, Katy Thompson, the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life, explains some of the reasoning behind reopening Pacelli Hall and how this decision offers resident students new choices when they return for the fall semester.
“As part of the overall housing plans for the upcoming academic year, it was recently decided that we would reopen Pacelli Hall to current residents as part of our annual housing selection. After the updates in the building last summer, it was always our plan to have students living there. It was exciting to be able to offer single room accommodations for next year, as there has been a demand for them and they have not been readily available in the housing system with the type of rooms in the Quad Halls,” said Thompson.
In order for Residence Life to open Pacelli Hall, they were looking to have a least 20 interested students. Currently, with the sign ups that occurred on April 2, 2015, Residence Life is looking to have about 50-60 students in the hall for the fall semester.
These are great numbers which means the opening of the hall will be a success. Thompson goes on to explain some of the reasoning behind the need for a minimum number of students and how these numbers will benefit those living in the hall.
“We were interested in having at least 20 students contract for this building to move forward with our plans. It is important to us that we have a positive community atmosphere and we did not think we could accomplish that with just a few students that would ultimately be scattered over a floor of rooms. I’m happy to report that as of our ‘early’ contract session today (April 2, 2015), we have exceeded our minimum number and will be able to accept a few more contracts- meaning we are moving ahead in our plans to open and staff the building,” said Thompson.
As mentioned prior, Pacelli Hall gives students the chance to live on campus, while saving money. Not only are students choosing to live in this hall saving money, but they will enjoy new and updated features within the hall.
The interior of the hall was updated with new electric, new flooring and painting, and stronger internet speeds. Thompson explains the pricing structure and some of the features that are included with Pacelli Hall.
“The Pacelli Hall pricing structure is based on the type of accommodation offered- a standard double room with general bath and shower rooms–like that is offered in Regina Hall. The double room rate is the same for both Regina and Pacelli Hall. This rate has historically been less than the suite-style room rate because the in-room amenities are different. Given the updates in Pacelli Hall, to include a community kitchen and the use of microwaves in individual rooms, we are able to offer a lower minimum meal plan, which contributes to the affordability of this accommodation,” said Thompson.
Samantha Rizzi, a freshman student currently living in Regina Hall, speaks about some of her thoughts and reasoning behind choosing to live in Pacelli Hall for the Fall 2015 semester which is likely very similar to others choosing to live in Pacelli.
“The price is easier on the wallet, especially with the tuition increase, and after enduring Regina, anything is an upgrade to me. As a complete cheapskate, it was the cheaper aspect that drew me in mostly. The new amenities that we didn’t have in Regina (like a kitchen and better electrical and internet) were the icing on the cake,” said Rizzi.
Students who choose to live in Pacelli Hall will be able to enjoy all of these features, as well as being able to take advantage of the placement of the hall on campus.
Pacelli is really at the heart of Saint Xavier University’s campus, with quick and easy access to the Shannon Center, the Warde Academic Center, and the closest dorm to the Graham School of Management.
Although there are many plus sides to living within Pacelli Hall, many students still choose to live in the quad dorms for many reasons which may include: a fancier living space, personal kitchen and bathroom space, or the opportunity to have four friends within one suite.
Brittney Vermillion, also a freshman currently living in Regina Hall, shares some of her ideas and opinions about living in Pacelli, and why living in a quad dorm best fits her style.
“My roommates and I already had the four people we wanted to live with and we wanted to make sure that we could still live together, rather than trying to get a room across the hall from each other in Pacelli. It seemed like a lot of people from Regina wanted to live in Pacelli, so we wanted to get the different vibe and see what it was like living in the quad dorms. We decided to choose that [option], even though, yes it was cheaper to live in Pacelli. Living in the quads would give us the experience of living with the four people and we would get the kitchenette in our room rather than having to share with everyone,” said Vermillion.
Wherever students choose to reside in the Fall of 2015, many factors play a role in the deciding process. With Pacelli Hall reopening, students will find themselves with more rooming options and decisions.
For more information about Housing and Resident Life on campus, students can visit SXU’s website or contact Katy Thompson at thompson@sxu.edu.
Julie Gardner
News Editor
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