New University Village Offers Rooms With View of WWW

Students living in Texas A&M International University's new University Village will have rooms with a view...of the entire world.

Beginning this Fall, the $5.1 million student apartment complex will provide free Internet access for all residents, including email sending and receiving and the World Wide Web.

Joe Garcia, A&M International vice president for finance and administration, said the provision of Internet access is a big plus for the University's student residents.

"This is a tremendous benefit for our students. Many universities around the nation are saying this is something they want to do. However, very few of them actually have Internet access in their student housing individual bedrooms, " he said.

Garcia said students have only to hook up their Internet-ready computer in their private room and access the University's Home Page to begin their cyberjourney.

Students will be able to access needed information for research projects, check library holdings, receive and send email and have 24-hour free access. They'll sign on to the Home Page and begin their links from there," he explained.

Garcia said that for those not owning a computer, a free Internet acess site will still be available.

"For those who do not own a computer, Internet access is still available in various labs on campus, but will also be available in University Village. The Village will feature a Community Center computer lab, where every resident can access the Internet during our extended lab hours after University labs have closed," he said.

Four buildings and a commons building will comprise University Village, a privatized initiative that will provide housing for 250 students in a garden apartment-style setting. They will be located on the west side of the campus in a private wooded area. The new student housing facilities are part of a privatized effort headed by American Campus Lifestyles, L.L.C., of Austin.

University president Dr. J. Charles Jennett said the addition of on- campus student housing is crucial to the University's continued growth and development.

"This will allow us to be able to offer a more complete student life dimension and, more importantly, provide the many out-of-town or commuting students with affordable student housing options. The availability of such housing is crucial to the University's growth," said Dr. Jennett.

University Village will include three buildings with four- bedroom/two bath units and one building with two-bedroom/two bath units. All units will be fully furnished and will feature full kitchens, private bedrooms and a common living area for student convenience.

In addition, there will be on-site laundry and mail facilities, a commons building with pool, jacuzzi and TV viewing and a sand volleyball court area. Beautifully landscaped grounds will be featured as well as parking, perimeter fencing and card-gate access. All facilities meet ADA guidelines.

Student move in to the new facilities is targeted for early August. Tours of the facility will be available in July.

Students or parents interested in securing advance housing reservations should contact the University Village office at 326 - 3878 or visit offices in Killam Library 168.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu