An unprecedented increase in the enrollment rate for the fall 2009 semester posed a problem for on-campus housing when the number of prospective residents exceeded the number of rooms available on campus.

Residential Life reported that the waiting list consisted of 256 students when the semester started. Seventy of these students were placed in temporary housing in the common rooms and kitchens of the residential communities. This number has since declined because of regular housing cancellations, but demand for housing still persists.

"UMBC is expanding, which is great," said Carl Gruhn, the Director of Outreach for the Resident Students Association. "But it means that we need to be able to house more students than we did in the past."

In order to resolve the housing shortage, ResLife conceived the Patapsco addition. The $16 million project, which will allocate $2 million for planning and $16 million for construction, has been in the works for two years.

John Wischer, Associate Director of Facilities, commented, "The goal of this project is to provide functional, comfortable, LEED Certified 'green,' sustainable housing for more residents to enjoy the on-campus residential experience as part of their collegiate experience." Headlining the project is the addition of a new wing to Patapsco Hall. ResLife placed large banners on the lawn between True Grit's and Patapsco to designate the area for construction and used athletic field paint to outline its estimated footprint. In addition to housing students in the fall, the annex could be used as a stand-alone building during summer sessions. It would also be used to accommodate displaced students during potential renovations in other residence halls. 195 beds distributed among single, double, and triple suites; approximately 340 square-foot rooms with adjacent bathrooms, much larger than those in the original building; and a public phone on each floor to replace individual telephones, are just a few of the proposals in consideration. Existing facilities, such as bathrooms, in the main building also face remodeling.

Additionally, the new wing would lead to the creation of a new courtyard that would be available for athletic and social functions.

"I do want to reiterate that nothing is set in stone," clarified Gruhn who is also the Student Chair of the Patapsco Addition Task Force.

The RSA and the Facilities Advisory Board created the PATF to serve as a forum in which students can voice their opinions regarding the addition before designs are finalized.

"That's UMBC for you," remarks Asif Majid, a member of the task force. "It's always willing to listen to its students."

Ideas offered by the task force include loft-able beds, walk-in closets as opposed to movable wardrobes, swipe access, and a breezeway concept. The PATF usually convenes in the dining services conference room; however, meetings are temporarily suspended while the State promotes the project, and interviews prospective architecture firms and construction companies.

When the task force resumes its duties in January, it will be open to all interested students. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2010 to be completed and ready for student use in the fall of 2011.