Out with the old, in with the new

  While Muskingum University is gaining more students, the residence halls are having a big impact on the incoming students. Last year's residents are surprised at what they have seen when they arrived back to school.

  Allison Avolio, Director of Residence Life, recognized that there were needs in the residence halls. Money was not an issue for the renovations and improvements, and thanks to donations and allocated funds, the halls were improved in the places where they needed to be.

"There were smaller improvements in most of the residence halls," said Avolio.

  These improvements were tile replacements, carpet removals, refurnished bathrooms and refurnished lobbies. The laundry rooms also received brand new washers and dryers.

  "Every summer there are certain improvements done to the halls," said Avolio. "This year it was something apart of our budget."

  The faculty and staff had a key role in the renovations and improvements with the residence halls. A lot of the management came from Physical Plant. Avolio, along with Kevin Wagner, Senior Director of Facilities and Physical Plant and Susan waryck, Associate Dean of Students, helped with the renovations of the residence halls.

  Due to the improvements of the residence halls, taking care of the halls will be stressed throughout the whole campus. Each R.A of the residence halls has talked to the members of each hall and they expect the halls, as well as the renovations, to remain in good shape.

  Many fines were issued last year because of the things that were done to the residence halls but this year will be different.

  "More fines will not be issued because of the improvements, but the students will be charged with the responsibility of the halls," said Avolio.

  "It isn't hard to keep your own space clean and to help others when needed," said Shayne Dotson, a resident of Kelly Hall.

  Muskingum will continue to improve the residence halls each year and if they are kept in good shape, Residence Life and the schooling system will be able to use the funds toward something else that will benefit students and residents. And with new technology that comes out, it will be exciting to see what will be in store for the residence halls.