A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is urging the University of Connecticut's governing board to approve the construction of student housing at its Avery Point campus in Groton. The push aims to address inequities with other regional campuses and better align the university's programs with the needs of major local employers.
Currently, Avery Point is the only one of UConn's four regional campuses without dedicated student residences. Advocates argue this limits the campus's growth potential and its ability to serve the southeastern Connecticut community.
Key Takeaways
- State lawmakers are advocating for UConn to build a 250-bed residence hall at the Avery Point campus in Groton.
- Avery Point is the only UConn regional campus that does not offer student housing, which proponents say contributes to its low enrollment.
- The proposal also calls for expanding the number of four-year degree programs to align with local industries like Pfizer and Electric Boat.
- UConn has engaged a developer for initial discussions but has not finalized any plans or funding sources.
A Bipartisan Call for Equitable Investment
During a recent meeting of the UConn Board of Trustees, lawmakers from both major parties presented a united front, calling for significant investment in the Groton campus. They highlighted a perceived disparity in funding compared to other regional university locations.
"Millions and millions of dollars have gone into Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury, with $0 going into Avery Point," stated Senator Cathy Osten (D-Groton). "We think it's important for Avery Point to be treated just the same as the other regional campuses."
The sentiment was echoed by Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton), who emphasized the strategic importance of the campus for regional workforce development. The lack of on-campus living is seen as a major barrier to attracting and retaining students.
Connecting Education with Regional Employers
A central argument for the expansion is the need to create a talent pipeline for southeastern Connecticut's largest employers, including Electric Boat and Pfizer. Lawmakers contend that the current academic offerings at Avery Point are too limited to meet this demand.
The campus currently offers four-year degrees in English, General Studies, Marine Sciences, and Maritime Studies. Senator Somers argued that new programs are essential for the campus's future.
"We have all this money pouring into workforce development throughout the state of Connecticut," Somers said. "It makes absolute sense that Avery Point would remain open, that we would put housing there, and we would actually offer the curriculum that fits with our largest employers."
Enrollment and Housing Details
- Current Enrollment: Avery Point has the lowest student enrollment among UConn's four regional campuses.
- Proposed Housing: The plan involves a 250-bed suite-style residence hall.
- Dining Facility: A 125-seat dining area would be included in the new building.
The Student Perspective
The absence of housing and limited majors has a direct impact on student choices. Former students have shared experiences of having to leave Avery Point to pursue their desired fields of study at other UConn locations.
Samantha Post, who attended Avery Point for two years, transferred to the Hartford campus to earn a degree in social work. She believes on-campus housing would have changed her academic path.
"If there was housing, I could have pursued a similar major and still got my career," Post explained, highlighting how the lack of infrastructure forces students to relocate.
University and State Response
According to a university spokesperson, UConn has entered discussions with a developer following a recent request for expressions of interest (RFEI). However, no formal agreement or terms sheet has been signed. Key details such as the project's cost, budget, and funding sources remain undetermined pending further steps.
Meanwhile, the governor's office has not been involved in discussions about the housing project. Chris Collibee, a spokesperson for the state's budget office, noted that housing is traditionally funded by the universities themselves, not through direct state allocation.
Next Steps for Avery Point's Future
The future of UConn's regional campuses is currently under review. The university's Board of Trustees is expecting to receive strategic plans for all four regional locations, including Avery Point, by December.
These plans will likely outline the long-term vision for each campus, addressing issues of enrollment, academic programming, and infrastructure. The push from Groton lawmakers places housing and curriculum expansion at the forefront of the conversation for Avery Point's strategic direction.
The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the coastal campus receives the investment that local leaders believe is necessary for it to thrive and contribute effectively to the regional economy.