Other Projects and Enhancements posted 4/1/06

For the first page about the projects and enhancements that are part of the Renaissance Plan, click here.

Transforming Dining

Ritchie Dining Hall

Adrian has entered into an agreement with Sodexho USA, the leading food and facilities management services company in North America, to head up the dining service beginning May 1. As agreed in the contract, the company will fund a complete transformation of the dining hall. In addition, snack and coffee options will be expanded in Caine Student Center, and the Adrian-Tobias Room will be updated.

New dining hall name:
Ritchie Marketplace

Features:
Outdoor patio & French Café
Lounge seating
Double-sided fireplace
Hand-dipped ice cream bar
Display cooking (food prepared out in open)

7-8 different stations, including:
Pizza and pasta
Deli
Salad bar
Grill
Mongolian grill

Lacrosse & Field Hockey

Beginning in the 2007-2008 academic year, Adrian College will become the only college in Michigan to offer varsity lacrosse for men and women. Coaches are being hired for both teams. Also, Adrian is bringing back varsity field hockey for women, for the first time since 1990.

“The day after the announcement about lacrosse went out, we got an inquiry from a student who wanted to transfer here just to play. Students have been showing interest ever since,” said Carolyn Quinlan, interim director of admissions

Enrollment impact: 60 new students.

Marching band

Ever heard the Adrian College fight song? Probably not. It’s hardly ever played these days, but that’s about to change. Students who want the marching band experience at the college level can now choose Adrian.

Enrollment impact: 100 new students

Timeline: Pep band fall 2006, marching band fall 2007. A full time director will be on the job by fall 2006.

Radio station

The new WVAC 107.9 FM will have a full-time director and greatly-enhanced broadcasting power. Currently reviewing options that will increase signal strength as well as visibility. Want radio experience? Think Adrian.

Enrollment impact: 20 new students

Other programs to have full time advisors:
Dance team
Student newspaper
Cheer team
Student government

Note: Adrian also seeks to strengthen its church affiliation.

Apartment living

College Invests in New Housing Option

A central component of Renaissance I is enhancing student housing. The first step in this process is already in motion.

Adrian College has recently arranged to buy several apartment buildings adjacent to campus to be used for student housing. Located across Michigan Avenue from Stevens Hall, the structures will provide a completely new housing option.

The apartments are air conditioned, come with kitchen appliances and have private baths. Most of the units were built in 1999 and have a washer and dryer.

Although AC arranged for students to live in some of the vacant units this semester, the apartments will officially become College property this spring. The newest units will be renovated into four-person apartments by next fall, providing the option of modern apartment-style living to 100 Adrian students.

“Students are the College’s priority,” President Jeff Docking said in a memo to campus announcing the option. “Rest assured that these apartments are only one of the many ways in which we will continue to demonstrate that commitment to them.”

Pellowe Hall

Adrian also plans major renovations to Pellowe Hall. The residence hall, located across the parking lot from the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center, has not been available to AC students for many years, and is currently used for Conferences. Plans are being considered to completely update Pellowe, and transform all the rooms to singles with private bathrooms.