On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Nyerere Tryman, executive director of university housing, spoke at a meeting with the presidents of major campus organizations at Auburn University about how the university is transitioning to a larger and more comfortable version of on-campus housing.

The current residence hall construction project next to Haley Concourse is scheduled to open in fall 2026 and will add 371 beds to The Quad residential complex. In addition to this construction project, the renovation of the Little Halls and Teague Halls will be completed in fall 2025. These two are the final projects to create a fully renovated Upper Quad.

However, the university’s on-campus capacity is currently at 99.71% capacity, with only 14 spaces remaining this semester. So while 371 spaces are significant, they are not enough to accommodate the influx of students wanting to live on campus.

Tryman said that percentage is “great for (the university) and some of our future revenue projections, but not the best for someone trying to find on-campus housing.”

To compensate for this, University Housing wants to create a new position to help people who cannot obtain on-campus housing find other housing options. Bryan Rush, associate vice president for student affairs, said this new position will focus on “helping students navigate the campus and community market and find housing solutions.”

This new liaison position will be able to “show them direction and give them pointers,” Tryman said. University Housing will not support “gold standard” outside options, but they will be able to communicate with local apartment complexes and assist students in finding housing.

There are many students vying for a limited number of spots on campus. University Housing recognizes this reality. Rush and the rest of University Housing want to “make it clear to parents and students that you can be engaged and successful whether you live on campus or off campus in your first year.”

By creating the new position, renovating on-campus residence halls and building new on-campus housing options, University Housing hopes to “provide a solution for all of our students.”

Rush reported that University Housing is currently investing in “mechanical systems and the cosmetic appearance” of many residential communities on campus. Tryman provided several status updates on these projects.

Aubie, Matthews, Holloway and Talon Halls in The Village were renovated in summer 2024, and University Housing will upgrade additional buildings in The Village in summer 2025.

According to Tryman, University Housing is considering “capital investments in The Hill.” Sasnett and Boyd Halls are the only two buildings on The Hill still standing. The new University of Education building is being built nearby and is scheduled to open in spring 2025.

Currently, Cambridge Hall stands empty, having closed in August 2023 due to water damage and mold. Because current construction costs are high, Rush said University Housing will “continue to evaluate options and hope to make a decision soon.”

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Sami Grace Donnelly | Communication link

English literature senior Sami Grace Donnelly began writing for the Plainsman in fall 2021. She has worked abroad as a columnist, opinion editor and author and is now a managing member of the Plainsman editorial board.

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