Public can tour COCC’s new residence hall next week

The newly completed $21 million residence hall at Central Oregon Community College will be open for guided tours from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, July 16, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 17.

Refreshments will be served.

“We are inviting prospective students, current students and the general community to be the first to see the fully completed building before it opens this fall,” said Stephanie Spalding Bilbrey, housing marketing and summer conference coordinator. “All the fixtures and furniture are in, so visitors will get a real sense of how students will be living in and using the space.”

Rooms are all quad-suites, housing four students with a shared common area and bathroom in addition to bedrooms. Bedrooms are either single or double. There is a waiting list for single rooms, but double rooms are still available.

The 330-bed residence hall includes numerous places to lounge and study, as well as a community kitchen. Ten Community Advisors will live on site.

“We plan to engage students at all levels, from academic support to social activities,” said Bilbrey. “Our mission is to cultivate a community of self-discovery for students through a unique living and learning experience. We also expect our student population to broaden as a result of this residence hall, so we would love for the community to see it.”

The residence hall is located at 2200 NW Mt. Washington Way in west Bend. Free parking is available off Mt. Washington or off College Way behind Mazama Gymnasium and the tennis courts.

For information, call Stephanie Bilbrey at 541-383-7525.

In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability, contact Joe Viola: 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact Anne Jenkins: 541-383-7743.