WHAT:  California State University, Northridge officials will join President Dianne F. Harrison in breaking ground on the second phase of a Student Housing project, “Freshmen Suites,” to provide a supportive living environment for CSUN’s first-time freshmen.

The first phase, which included 400 beds, opened in fall of 2009 with the specific intention of improving student success through a residential model that encourages student interaction as a means to support academic success and personal growth.

The second phase, which is scheduled to open in fall of 2015, is a $26 million, 100,000-square-foot facility that will be comprised of suite-style housing and offer 400 new beds for first-time freshmen. Additionally, the new complex will include a 6,000-square-foot community center that will offer special programming, offices, classroom and meeting spaces, as well as recreation areas. The new facility will also have a coffee shop with the goal of fostering a sense of community among all the students living in university housing.

Once the facility is complete, university officials plan to seek a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which accredits buildings designed and built with strategies that promote environmental stewardship, sustainability and responsibility.

WHEN: 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013

WHERE: California State University, Northridge – Student Housing
17950 Lassen St.
Northridge, CA 91325
(The construction site for the complex is between buildings 9 and 18.)

WHO: CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison
William C. Watkins, CSUN’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students
Colin Donahue, CSUN’s vice president for administration and finance
Quinesha Summerville, president of Residence Halls Association

Media Contacts: Carmen Ramos Chandler, CSUN Media Relations, (818) 677-2130 or
Anya Goldberg, CSUN Student Housing, (818) 677-6526

Student Housing, Students