USF unveils new $65 million residential facility

The opening of a $65 million facility on the University of South Florida campus marks the beginning of a new era in the lives of first-time students.

Juniper-Poplar Hall, the largest on-site living facility built to house 1,050 students, marks a change in the university's history because all freshmen are now required to live on campus.

"We are no longer a drive-up university," President Judy Genshaft said today before a tour of the facility. "This is a time that brings us to another growing phase in the university system."

The building is divided into four communities: Bulls Business, Engineering, Honors and the Global Village.

Each residential unit has four beds, four desks and a common bathroom. The units open up to a common lounge area with sofas, chairs and a flat-screen TV. Close by is a kitchenette/study where students can prepare quick meals and eat as they prepare for their next class.

The facility, which is west of the Engineering Building and south of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, has its own mail room, laundry facility, a dining hall that seats 350, a Starbucks, a convenience store and a take-out barbecue place.

Every community also contains three classrooms and office space for faculty and advisers.

"This particular building represents one of our strong pillars we have established here," said Jennifer Capeheart-Meningall, vice president of student affairs. "It's a place where they [freshmen] can interact with their peers with like goals and interests while they build their futures."

Robert Forsythe, dean of the College of Business, said that when he came to the university three years ago he made it a point to mingle with students.

"What I heard was that the students needed more opportunities for networking and that's exactly what this facility offers," he said. "I'd like to see their reaction this April or May. I think we'll be very proud."

"It's really nice and I actually have one of my classes here," said freshman Bianca Argulla of Jacksonville, a business major, while touring the facility with her father, Freddie.

Freddie Argulla said at first he thought the fees to live there were rather steep, but he now knows it will be worth the expense.

"It will be a good learning environment for her and I know she'll eat well," said Freddie, as he, Bianca and her younger brother lunched in the dining hall.

Classes are set to begin Aug. 24.