by Kathy Sisioian, Vice President for Student Development

When St. Mary's University set out to improve its Residence Life program, especially as it relates to first year students, it looked to its strategic plan, Vision 2012, which identifies as vital the quality of all aspects of campus life that support excellent academic education. Founders Hall, St. Mary's newest residential facility – and one that is designated specifically for first year freshmen – supports the University's strategic goals while fulfilling an important component of our Facilities Master Plan.

Studies have long heralded the connection between a high degree of campus involvement – including living on campus – and students' retention and graduation rates. Our own experience with students bears this out, as do the results of various annual assessments. At St. Mary's, students who live on campus are more involved in student organizations and campus life, and have higher grades, especially during the first year. They stay in greater numbers and, therefore, more of them earn their degrees.

In anticipation of planning for the new residence hall, in early 2007 a University team from Residence Life and Facilities Administration attended a conference where residence hall designs of the future were unveiled.

The best designs incorporated the amenities prospective students look for – and expect – when making campus visits. Back at St. Mary's, the team combined survey research from St. Mary's students with the essential features students are seeking and developed a comprehensive building proposal for a new residence hall.

Architects were invited to submit plans and by the summer, we were working with Randall Scott Architects Inc. on defining the design elements for what is now Founders Hall.

A three story, 81,000-square-foot building with 278 beds, the exterior of Founders Hall is reminiscent of St. Louis Hall and has a footprint about the size of the Louis J. Blume Academic Library. On the interior, students discover a fresh, modern building with spacious rooms, a variety of lounges and balconies, recreation areas and an expansive interior courtyard. The University's rich history and tradition is evident in the building's design, honors with its name the first Marianist settlers to come to a campus edge on Culebra Road that reinforces the defining elements St. Louis Hall provides at St. Mary's main entrance.

Founders Hall meets the University's need for additional housing while enabling us to respond to the academic support and social needs of first year students. At St. Mary's, we consistently look for ways to integrate the curricular and cocurricular lives of students, recognizing that improved integration contributes to academic success and a more meaningful student experience. The outcomes we expect include a more unified student body with additional opportunities to develop leadership skills, and an engaged student community more involved in campus life and Rattler pride that is evident.

Today's college students are also more accustomed to privacy, want the ability to control their living space, and are concerned about security and energy efficiency. Founders Hall residents have movable furniture to support individual or roommate preferences, and the ability to personalize their rooms by adding floor coverings, shower curtains and closet drapes. Improvements in student safety and security are addressed by a security system that includes cameras and a recording device that can be reviewed when necessary. In addition, the design and construction of Founders Hall emphasizes sustainable products, energy efficiencies, water conservation and recycling, all in consideration of students' interest in and concern for the environment.

This newest facility at St. Mary's celebrates the University's commitment to living and learning in community, hallmarks of excellent educational preparation in the Marianist tradition. We are proud to welcome the Class of 2013 to Founders Hall and know they will enjoy their St. Mary's experience with a Residence Life staff, programming, and facilities committed to academic success, student engagement, persistence and graduation of all students.

Kathy Sisoian has been at St. Mary's since 1981 when she was hired to work in cooperative education. She has served in a variety of capacities in academic affairs and student development, culminating in her appointment as vice president for Student Development in 1999. Sisoian is a recipient of the Marianist Heritage Award and currently is co-director of the Marianist Forum.