In the fall of 2013, Cardinal Newman Hall will become a new haven for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors on campus.
The decision was made after faculty members such as Dr. Daniel McCarthy, dean of the College of Science and Technology, expressed interest in creating a hall specifically for STEM majors living on campus. Through the office of Auxiliary Services, Dr. Kay Maurin, director of University Housing, commented on the new STEM dormitory.
“University Housing is committed to creating academic partnerships across campus and bridging the gap between the classroom and our students’ living spaces,” said Maurin.  “When we discussed reopening Cardinal Newman Hall as a residence hall, it made sense to focus our efforts on creating a themed living/learning hall. Because of the location of Cardinal Newman, we were very interested in working with Dr. McCarthy and the faculty members in the College of Science and Technology. They had previously expressed interest in a STEM hall, and all of the pieces just began to fall into place to move forward with that vision.”
Students without majors that relate to science or math, currently living in Cardinal Newman may have to relocate to a different hall next semester; STEM majors will be given priority placement.
“Our current residents are reapplying for the fall semester now and have received information about Cardinal Newman Hall,” said Maurin. “Students new and returning with STEM majors will have priority placement in the space.”
The new arrangement of Cardinal Newman Hall will reflect research showing the benefits of living in an academic community with other individuals pursuing similar fields of study.
“There is a growing body of research that residence hall programs and facilities can be rearranged to offer experiences and interactions that enhance student learning, particularly for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines,” said Maurin. “STEM Hall opportunities provide out of class interaction with faculty and peers with the same major. Residents of the hall will be able to interact with faculty in a different setting and participate in programs and organizational activities that support what they are learning in their chosen majors.”
Renovations will be made to Cardinal Newman Hall to suit the new academic environment.
“The lobby space will have some technology enhancements that will allow for classes or study groups to meet in the space,” said Maurin. “A small group tutoring room will also be opened for the fall semester.”
STEM majors will not be the only students to benefit from such a community. There are plans to convert Tangipahoa Hall into a dormitory for students in the College of Business. Students within the College of Business have already been given priority placement, and renovation plans are currently being made so that Tangipahoa Hall will likewise host academic conveniences for those students.
“We are also working the College of Business faculty on a similar community in Tangipahoa Hall. Business majors have had priority placement in Tangipahoa Hall for several semesters, and the University Housing staff and faculty from the College of Business are working to revise the programming offered to business majors in that space,” said Maurin.
Dr. Mike Asoodeh, Chief Information Officer, is confident that STEM students will benefit from the new arrangements.
“I am a firm believer that setting up learning communities in residence halls is very positive for the student, the university and the community,” said Asoodeh.  “It allows the students to collaborate on projects related to their courses, and since they share a “common” curriculum, they can help each other.  It also helps to remove barriers to success.  Students who learn together, succeed together.”