Hammering, nailing and sawing are common sounds at the Cochise College Douglas Campus, with construction teams moving fast to put the final touches on new and renovated buildings that will be available for students starting in January 2010. Registration for spring classes, and a chance to live in the new residence halls and use other new facilities, begins Monday, Nov. 23.

Hide Caption (Use arrows above to view more photos)

 New condominium-style dorms stand close to the center of campus, replacing the current dorms, located on the west side, that are more than 40 years old. The new residence halls are a great improvement over the current facilities, according to Chuck Hoyack, campus dean.

 “We wanted to better serve the students who live on campus,” Hoyack said. “The new dorms are more modern, student friendly, homey and attractive.”

The living environment promises to be a comfortable one. There are six separate buildings to house 104 students. Five of the facilities have two dorm units, and the sixth has three units, for a total of 13 dorms. Each unit can house eight students, four in two bedrooms on the bottom floor and four in two bedrooms on the second floor. In addition, residents and other students will have access to a common gathering area in a new Housing & Student Life Building, which will contain the department’s administrative offices and apartments for key personnel.

Currently, construction crews are finishing details to get the halls ready for furnishings, including televisions, chairs, sofas, end tables, washers and dryers, and bathroom fixtures. The townhouse design is conducive to a learning environment, and more students, even those from local communities, may choose to live on campus.

 “There will be many new comforts, and yet a home-cooked meal will be just a short drive away for students from the surrounding areas.”

 For additional information, contact the Housing Department at (520) 417-4062.

Facts About the Douglas Campus

√ During the spring 2010 semester, the rates for the new residence halls will be discounted below the published fees and will be $350, $500, and $625 for the 12-week, 17-week, and 21-week terms, respectively. A new Housing & Student Life Building also will be ready at the start of the new semester.

√ A new Science Building, featuring four labs and faculty offices, is now open on the east side of campus. Major renovations are taking place in the former Science Building, located just next door.

√ A new Career Technical Education Building, which houses agriculture, welding, and building construction technology, is in use this semester.

√ Buildings 600 and 1000, which contain key student services offices, such as admissions, advising and financial aid; career services; and a computer lab; received major renovations and re-opened last summer.

?         An open house is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26. Additional details will be announced at a later date.