UW-Superior students living on campus this fall likely will have the distinction of setting a university record.

"We're confidently saying that we will be at capacity this fall, which will be a first for us," said Assistant Director of Residence Life Mickey Fitch.

Campus residence halls currently can accommodate slightly more than 800 people. Residence Life staff are expecting that many to be living in the residence halls when classes resume Sept. 4.

Plans are in place to comfortably accommodate even more students, if necessary, Fitch said.

More people equals more fun

The growing on-campus population means more people will be on campus during evenings and weekends, and more will be attending campus events. It also means more people will experience the positive impact of living on campus and meeting fellow students.

"There's a vibrancy about campus when we have more students in the residence halls," Fitch said.

More students returning to the halls

Just about everyone seems to be contributing to the residence halls' record population.

"We're seeing a lot more sophomores returning this year, so that mean's last year's freshmen had a very good experience," Fitch said. "We're also seeing higher numbers of juniors and seniors, who don't have to live on campus but are choosing it over off-campus housing. We also have more WITC and LSC students living on campus."

Along with UW-Superior students, campus residence halls also are available to students from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior and Lake Superior College in Duluth.

Internet, wireless improvements

Fitch attributed the growing popularity of the residence halls to a variety of factors, including recent improvements in Internet connection speed and wireless access. Other amenities, such as academic resource coordinators, tutors in the halls, and on-site laundry facilities, also are popular.

Project update

To prepare for this fall as well as future semesters, several Residence Life projects are in full swing this summer. Here's an update:  

Crownhart Hall window replacement: This residence hall in the heart of campus is getting all new windows this summer.

The windows have four panels that open inward, giving students maximum flexibility for ventilation. They are energy-efficient and will end the water leaks and drafts that plagued the old windows.

This $800,000 project is funded by residence hall fees paid by students.

Ross-Hawkes renovation: A major project to update rooms in these south campus residence halls and to join the buildings with a common lobby is proceeding despite an early delay.

Contractor bids for the work came in higher than expected. To stay within budget for this student-funded project, some items that originally were part of the project -- such as landscaping -- instead will be done by Residence Life.

New bids are being taken for the project. Fitch said plans now call for the Hawkes renovation to be completed by spring or summer 2013. Ross Hall residents will then occupy Hawkes while Ross is renovated.

Ross-Hawkes steam tunnel replacement: Although much of the university steam tunnel system is being unearthed for flood repairs, the deteriorated section in front of Ross and Hawkes halls actually was being replaced before the June flooding.

Replacing this portion of the tunnel will ensure a good supply of heat and hot water to both residence halls as well as to Wessman Arena.  

Community garden: Now in its second year, the residence halls' community garden is faring well despite the deluge that flooded campus in June and the dry spell that followed in July. All vegetables raised in the garden go to A'viands to be served for student meals in the Yellowjacket Union.