ISU's DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENCE TO CUT BUDGET BY $1.7 MILLION

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State University's Department of Residence will close one residence hall and keep a dining centerclosed during the 2004-2005 academic year as part of an effort to cut expenses by $1.7 million.

Helser Hall, in the Union Drive neighborhood, will close for one year beginning this fall at a savings of $640,000. Theclosure isn't expected to be permanent; however, the building is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2008. Other savingswill be achieved by keeping Linden Hall's dining center closed, as it has been since fall 2003. Linden Hall is in theRichardson Court neighborhood on the east side of the ISU campus. Students who live in Linden Hall will continue tohave the option of dining in other nearby residence halls.

The Department of Residence anticipates making further cuts as needed to achieve the necessary cost savings.

In March, the university adjusted its enrollment projection for fall 2004 downward by more than 300 students. AlthoughIowa State had hoped to increase new student enrollment this fall, current projections indicate a new undergraduateclass similar in size to last fall. The lower projection impacts the Department of Residence and its operatingbudget.

Helser Hall can accommodate more than 700 students. No incoming freshmen have yet been assigned rooms at Iowa State,but 163 current students had planned to return to Helser Hall. Displaced Helser residents may move to any availableair-conditioned or non-air-conditioned space in Friley Hall or the Richardson Court neighborhood, with the exception ofMaple Hall, at the Helser non-air-conditioned room rate. They may also move into any other available space in theresidence system, for which they qualify, including single rooms, suites or apartments at the established rate for theproperty. Rooms available to former Helser residents are equal, if not larger, than their previous accommodations, andmany are air-conditioned.

Affected students are being notified of the change throughout the weekend.

Three learning communities currently located in Helser Hall will be relocated to Friley. Members of the Design ExchangeLearning Community will continue to have access to a design studio in Helser.