Lyle Topping, In Motion Features Reporter
Dorms play a key role in university life. For a lot of people this is the first time they are on their own or have to share a living space with someone. Dorms can be a cornucopia for cultural differences and a common breeding ground for overcoming adversity.
Stories that last a lifetime can be formed around dorms. Imagine living down the hall from your future best man or maid of honor. It only adds to the college experience, that some would say the college is missing. Luckily, I was able to have a quick Q&A with Timothy Norton, Vice President of the DSC Foundation, about the future of dorm life at Daytona State College.
Topping: What is the time frame you are expecting to start moving students into these dorms?
Norton: The simple answer is that we are planning to have the new residence hall, what we hope is only the first of at least a couple of halls, to open in August 2022. With some uncertainty remaining due to the COVID pandemic and the economic instability at present, our schedule could change. But we are working diligently to begin construction by June 2021 with move-in for students, as I say, in August 2022.
Topping: How would a student go about applying for one?
Norton: The DSC residence hall will be open to the general student population with approximately one-half, or perhaps more, of the occupancy for those who apply; one-half of the occupancy is required for student athletes who will be required to live on campus. That said, the goal of the College is to provide affordable student housing, meaning that we are working to raise as much initial support from alumni and friends of the College so we can hold down the costs for students.
Once we get a little closer to announcing a firm timeline for construction and opening, we will publish Residential Housing Policies and Procedures for applying for housing; this just the same as all colleges and universities do, if they offer housing.
Topping: What do you think the addition of the dorms will do for the College moving forward?
Horton: Among a number of benefits for the College, the overall student experience is our top priority. From affordability to convenience to greater involvement in campus life to providing a stronger bond once an alumnus of DSC, we are working to provide a superior experience for students living in DSC residential housing that will result in successful outcomes for students and the College.
There you have it, folks. Today we are talking about dorms, and tomorrow we could be talking about a football team or where frat row should go. The possibilities seem more and more endless with our campus, and we as a school should be excited about the growth that we are showing. With growth comes potential.