Multimedia Reporting (Kuhr-Volek)

The number of returning residents for the 2007 school year has increased about 20 percent as compared to this time last year.

"Student Housing is a viable option for upperclassmen as well as underclassmen,” said Jennifer Wamelink, Interim Associate Director for Residence Life.

The increase can be partially attributed to the recent renovations made on residence halls, like Ellsworth Hall in 2003 and Hashinger Hall in 2006. However, the nicer accommodations of renovated halls are not cheap. Hashinger’s improvements cost $13 million.

The renovations are initially paid for by state bonds according to Diana Robertson, Interim Director for Student Housing. The bonds have to be paid back, a cost that is passed down to residents of the renovated halls. The cost to students limits the scope of the renovation projects.

“Some people are happy enough to pay extra, but not too much for the renovations,” Robertson said.

The cost difference between renovated and un-renovated halls is noticeable in this year’s Housing contract. Two-person rooms in McCollum, Oliver and GSP Corbin cost $3,224. Two-person rooms in the renovated Ellsworth, Lewis and Templin Halls cost $4,564 -- a difference of over $1,000

Some students want the comfort found in the renovated halls, but without the cost.

“I miss the people and life on campus,” said AJ Mallott, Overland Park junior. “But it was cheaper to live off campus.”

Mallott lives in a furnished, four bedroom apartment for $940 per month. Adding the an estimated $300 per month for water, heat, electricity and a cable and internet package comes to $3704 per person for an entire 12 month lease. The 4 bedroom suites in Ellsworth, Lewis and Templin Halls cost $4,242 for the school year.

Campus living does still hold advantages over apartment life. Close proximity to campus, a friendly community and the lack of multiple bill payments are benchmarks in campus living – not usually true for living off campus.

“The biggest draw is the community you get,” said Wamelink. “All-student communities are great.” A draw she thinks keeps residents coming back.

Bowe Neuenschwander, Hoxie sophomore, who will be a third year returner, agrees with Wamelink. “I like it here,” Neuenschwander said. “I have friends here.”

“Some girls…sometimes...they’re a rarity.”

That was what Matt Schott, Olathe engineering sophomore, had to say about the frequency in which he spots women in the School of Engineering. That’s just while going to classes. There isn’t a single woman in any of his engineering classes this semester, not even in a lecture class of 50.

Florence Boldridge, the director of Diversity Programs for the School of Engineering, said that women are the most under-represented group in the department.

The School of Engineering implements several programs to help boost the enrollment level of women in engineering. One such program, Project Discovery, allows high school girls to attend a week-long engineering summer camp at the University. Participants engage in classes and labs, in the field of their choosing, taught by KU engineering professors. A maximum of 40 girls can participate in each week.

“Project Discovery is but one of the recruitment tools that we use in accomplishing our goal of bringing women and minorities into our School of Engineering,” Boldridge said.

The School of Engineering runs Engineer Your Career. This half-day program introduces junior high and high school girls to career possibilities in engineering. Participants have the opportunity to speak to KU professors about different programs at the University.

The School of Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers also host the SWE Weekend of Engineering. The program is designed to introduce girls to KU life and the School of Engineering. Activities include: demonstrations by University professors, an engineering group project, attending a either a KU football or basketball game, and a pizza party.

Christina Conrad, Stilwell junior in chemical engineering, thinks that programs like Project Discovery can help girls find that engineering is just right for them.

“You never really hear about any women role models in engineering,” Conrad said.

She thinks the main reason girls don’t go into engineering is that they don’t have much of an opportunity to explore the potential there. Historically it has been a male dominated profession.

She also thinks times are changing for women engineers. The number of women engineers is increasing.

“I look at my dad’s year books and at mine and I can see it’s changing,” Conrad said.

This gradual change could make women a much more common sighting in the passages of Eaton and Learned Halls.