UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 37, Page 6
July 20, 1995
New guest accommodations under construction

     Guests at the University will receive an even warmer welcome beginning
this September. Housing and Conference Services is converting the top three
floors of Christiana West in Newark to University Guest Apartments,
complementing the 21 guest rooms at the Virden Center in Lewes.
     The availability of these guest apartments should attract new groups
that desire on-campus housing for conferences, David Butler, executive
director of housing and conference services, said. An increased number of
conferences, in turn, will use other campus services and facilities, such
as catering and conference rooms.
     Residence hall space is currently available for all undergraduates who
have requested it, Butler said, and, if there is a significant increase in
student demand, guest apartments could be converted back to student
housing.
     There will 42 apartments available, with a total of 54 bedrooms that
can house 108 persons. The apartments will be redecorated with new wall,
floor and window treatments and new furniture, including queen-sized beds.
However, the essential floor plan and equipment, such as kitchens and
bathrooms will remain the same. Lounges also will be available for clients'
use.
     The complex will be staffed by students under the direction of a
housing professional. Plans are under way to involve students enrolled in
the University's Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management Program.
     Other universities have guest housing, and the University once had
guest rooms in the Perkins Student Center. At this time, there are two
guest apartments on campus, which are in great demand and fully booked for
visiting lecturers, candidates for positions, visiting professors and
others with University connections.
     "Using all our housing units and other support facilities fully is
important because it keeps the costs down for students. The availability of
guest apartments also makes the University more competitive and attractive
as a conference site," Butler said.
                                                        -Sue Swyers Moncure