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NEW PROGRAMS, RENOVATIONS GREET

STUDENTS RETURNING TO TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE

KINGSVILLE (August 31, 1998) -- When the students returned to the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville this weekend, there were many surprises waiting for them.

A pilot program that involves students living in the Turner/Bishop residence halls begins this fall. The Living Learning Community revolves around 36 students, the women living in Bishop and the men living in Turner.

"This is not a new concept, but a renewal of the old concept in which the faculty and students lived, ate and studied together," said Allen Lomax, director of academic advising for College I. "The students will live together, take their freshman introduction to college life course together and take either English or math together."

Lomax said the students will form study groups and plan activities together. "Since this is a pilot program for this academic year, when complete, we will look at two indicators, the student's grade point averages and retention rate. If the program is a success based on those two factors, we will continue it."

Students who live in residence halls have seen some changes in Turner/Bishop, Martin and Lynch Halls.

The rooms in the west side of Martin Hall were renovated during the summer months. "The rooms have been totally refurbished," said Dr. Joe Calusio, university engineer and director of campus planning. "In addition, students will seen new laundry, restroom and shower facilities."

The lobby of Lynch Hall has also been renovated to make it more comfortable for its student residents. The Turner/Bishop Hall received a new roof during the summer.

The health and kinesiology department and recreational sports will share a new field house. "The new building will hold all equipment needed for outdoor activity classes and recreational activities," said Mack Brown, director of recreational sports. "It will be manned during class hours. It also includes restrooms accessible from the outside of the building."

The Nierman Science Hall renovations have been completed. Classes will be held in new state-of-the-art lecture rooms and laboratories. Next up for renovations is Manning Hall, which houses psychology and sociology, geosciences and radio and television. Work should get underway in the spring.

Several rooms on the second floor of the Student Union Building also have been renovated during the summer.

Two degree plans in the infancy stages, a bachelor of science in social work and a bachelor of science in criminology, have new directors or full-time faculty members this semester. The new staff will aid students in pursuing degrees in the two programs.

-TAMUK-