Rutgers University-New Brunswick has opened a 170,000-square-foot facility to house more than 500 freshman students enrolled in its university's new Honors College.
The honors program and the living-learning community to house first-year students were created by Rutgers in an effort to keep more of New Jersey's high-achieving students attending school in the state, as well as attract top students from out of state.
“If we can get some of our most talented students who would have left New Jersey to come to Rutgers and be part of our community, the more robust the state is going to be," says Francis Barchi, an assistant professor in the School of Social Work.
Rutgers has plans in the coming years to expand the Honors College to 2,000 students across all academic years.
Housing for freshmen is on the upper four floors of the newly built brick residence hall, and administrative offices and educational spaces are situated below. In addition to living space, students have access to on-site advising and administrative offices.
Live-in faculty fellows will regularly host dinners and discussions in their apartments. A café and fireside lounge, multiple lounges and outdoor spaces are designed to encourage conversation and an exchange of ideas.
The honors program brings together students from six Rutgers units: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, the Mason Gross School of the Arts, the School of Engineering and the Rutgers Business School.
Video from Rutgers:
