CAMPUS NEWS
CAMPUS UPDATES Housing upgrades include new kitchens, added A/C and new laundry machines!
Housing on campus upgraded some of the amenities in the residence halls over the summer in response to student feedback. “We are continuing the trend to air-condition J&L by adding 20 additional a/c units to rooms in the building. Students once again will have the option to choose an air conditioned residence hall room for an additional charge,” according to Dean of Students Jason Ramaker. Over 60 students last year selected the a/c option and it was a welcome addition to comfortable living for students during the warmer months.” In addition, Waldorf re-signed a new contract with BDS Laundry to continue laundry services in the residence halls on campus. “We are excited to offer new and upgraded options this fall as we have replaced all washer and dryers in the halls with new more modern machines that are card activated,” according to Ramaker. The college has added 16 new machines including front loader machines that provide a larger capacity for larger loads of laundry. The new card system will eliminate the need and hassle of coin operated machines. Students will be able to add money to the laundry card on-line or with a debit card using the PayFlex machine in the Campus Center. In response to student requests, the college has budgeted to add two kitchenettes to J&L and Ormseth Hall. “We have a lot of international and other students that stay on campus during breaks that like to cook their own meals when dining service is limited. This new option will provide flexibility and a community enhancement factor that can be enjoyed by all students of the hall,” according to Alyssa Braun, international coordinator who initiated the project.
Tanner Hall re-opens for fall semester
Tanner Hall will re-open in the fall of 2015, announced Student Life Administrative Coordinator Anna Moklestad. “We have filled J&L, Breen, Timberland, Theme Houses and now it looks like we will have two floors open to students beginning in August.” Moklestad works on placing and assigning students to rooms on campus. The Facilities Department has been working hard deep cleaning rooms and getting the lounge, lobby and restrooms ready to go. “There is a lot to do when you re-open a residence hall. It’s an exciting challenge making sure we have all the right furnishings; cable is up and running and the laundry machines still work,” commented Ramaker. “We also have to make sure we add staff and staff time for security, cleaning and RA positions. It’s a good problem to have.”
Waldorf College Conferences and Dining Services offer more culinary flexibility
Summer Orientation Shatters Record!
The Waldorf College Conference and Dining Services department, formerly employed by and titled as ARAMARK Food Services, is now a Waldorf-owned department. The department move took effect on Monday, May 11, 2015. “We can’t be more thrilled to welcome the Conference & Dining Services Department,” Vice President of Business Affairs Mason Harms said. “Combined, this team has over 135 years of experience of service on the Waldorf Campus. The move makes perfect sense.”
English Department updates
At the end of the spring semester we bid a fond farewell to Dr. Kyle Torke, who moved to take a new position in Colorado. The faculty is excited to announce the addition of Ms. Rebecca McKanna. Ms. McKanna completed her Master of Fine Arts-Fiction at Purdue University in May and she comes to us excited about the upcoming fall semester and the Creative Writing Program here at Waldorf. She will be actively engaged with our First-year Composition Program, as well as the Creative Writing Program and the new Creative Writing Affinity Group. In addition, the English/Humanities Suite on 2nd floor Thorson got a facelift this summer making it more open and welcoming for students to gather with friends or just hang out while studying. Al Eggebraaten and the facilities crew worked hard to help remake the suite into a perfect space for great conversations.
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Summer Orientation this year for new students and their families included over 250 people on campus July 10. Parents and students had the opportunity to meet faculty members, meet current students, see Forest City, attend informational and resource sessions and prepare for arrival to campus in August. Nearly 100 families attended from nine different states for the one day event that ended with a fair in the Atrium that featured campus clubs, campus tours, sign ups/registration for classes, parking and housing requests. Students could also receive their Walorf student ID. Warrick the Warrior was also in attendance for some quick selfies with the Mascot. This orientation marks the largest July Orientation on record, reflective of increased enrollment in the fall.