Theodore and Anthony Hansen need to allow enough time for only one thing each morning, and that is the walk from their college dorm room to their first class.

The Huachuca City brothers are living in the new student townhomes on the Douglas Campus as an experiment this summer. So far, their “research” shows that saving time isn’t the only benefit of living on campus.

The brothers agree that easy access to friends, food, college services, and laundry facilities have proven to be valuable perks.

“We get to meet a lot of other people, and the new environment gives you a sense of freedom and possibilities,” Theo said. “The structure of the buildings is really comfortable and makes you feel at home.”

The college’s newly completed Desert View Townhomes house eight students each; are furnished with new televisions, chairs, sofas, and end tables; and include on-site laundry facilities, kitchenette, and a common living area. Students also have quick access to campus amenities like the dining hall, game room, swimming pool, athletic facilities, tutoring and advising, and faculty.

In preparation for the fall semester, the college has re-packaged the residential experience at the Douglas Campus by offering the Cochise Combo (see sidebar). The combo makes students enrolling in a 16-hour class schedule eligible for complementary housing with the purchase of a 19-meal-per-week meal plan. What’s more, it lets students choose to reside with roommates in the new townhomes or in individual rooms in older facilities. Apartments also are available for married couples.

“The residential experience is part of the growth of the student,” said Augie Galvin, the college’s new director of Housing & Student Life. “We want to add to their learning experience, and we have some new things planned for the coming year.”

Galvin arrived from California in May and was drawn to the position by the opportunity to start fresh with new facilities, new opportunities for students, and a new vision for the department. He has worked in student affairs at major universities for more than 20 years and anticipates the implementation of academic and cultural programming to bring faculty and students together, as well as structured communication with students.
“We will introduce more interactions related to what it means to live in this environment so students understand what their roles are and who they can contact for help,” Galvin said. “We will really concentrate on training the staff about how they can contribute to experiential learning.”

The college is promoting the benefits of the residential experience with a new brochure and mini-book about the campus that will be distributed soon, radio and newspaper ads, and an improved website. Promotional materials list pool parties and barbecues; hiking and camping trips; pool, foosball, and volleyball; student clubs; video game and movie nights; sporting events; student clubs; and organized day trips as some of the benefits of campus life. The mini-book will be available through college recruiters, at the local high schools, and through the college athletic teams, which already make up a significant residential population but could attract others.

Just as attending a community college is a stepping stone to the university for many students, residing in campus housing also gives students a chance to live independently in a fun, safe, close-knit environment that’s not necessarily so far away from home. The Douglas Campus community is large enough to allow for exploration, yet small enough for students, faculty and staff to know each other by name.

“Living on the Douglas Campus is a really attractive option if you’re looking to replicate the traditional college experience that so many universities offer,” Galvin said. “Not only does it provide students with easy access to many things that commuters sometimes skip. We also have both security and housing staff on site around the clock.”

RATES, FEES & APPLICATION
To request an application or if you have questions, call (520) 417-4062 (local) or (800) 966-7943, Ext. 4062 (toll free). Find a printable application, rate cards and fee information at www.cochise.edu.