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���ϲ����� today announced its plans to convert the Sheraton ���ϲ����� Hotel & Conference Center into a nearly 400-bed, on-campus residence hall. The announcement, which represents the latest step in advancing the vision and strategic priorities of the Campus Framework, follows approval from the University’s Board of Trustees.

“As part of our Campus Framework, a 20-year roadmap designed to align our physical presence with our vision and mission, ���ϲ����� is continuously assessing our footprint and considering ways to enhance and strengthen the living, learning and working environment for all members of our community,” says Brett Padgett, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “This includes renovating and repurposing existing space, procuring new space and working with community partners to identify opportunities for collaboration. The Sheraton presented an ideal opportunity to reimagine how our current space is leveraged and repurpose it to put it toward its best and highest use.”

The Sheraton will close following Commencement 2024, at which point conversion of the property will begin. The new residence hall is anticipated to open in fall 2024.

This decision follows the completion of a comprehensive, three-year housing review which, among other things, found that undergraduate students wanted more options for living in University housing on North Campus that provide seamless access to various campus facilities and amenities.

“Today’s students are looking for a college experience that includes challenging academic programs, diverse extracurricular opportunities and comfortable, modern housing,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “Over the last several years, ���ϲ����� has transformed and enhanced student-centric facilities, including the Schine Student Center and the Barnes Center at The Arch, located at the heart of our campus and central to our students’ experience. By converting the Sheraton into a residence hall, we are creating new housing opportunities that make it easier for our students, especially our first-year and transfer students, to acclimate to life at ���ϲ�����, find their community and develop a sense of belonging.”

The Sheraton currently employs approximately 85 full-time individuals who hold a variety of hospitality-related positions. All Sheraton employees will be offered positions at the University, many of which will be union roles, and will transition to those new opportunities once the Sheraton has closed following Commencement.

“The Sheraton team has played an enormously important role in our campus community for many years,” says John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer. “We appreciate their hard work and continued service, and look forward to working directly with these team members on helping them transition to new opportunities at the University.”

Sheraton representatives will contact guests and groups with reservations scheduled after Commencement to discuss alternate arrangements for accommodations.