MARSHFIELD (WAOW) -
Codi Hasbrouck is in his second year at UW-Marshfield/Wood
County.
And while he enjoys the college experience, he said
something is missing.
"There really isn't that much of a feeling of community,"
said Hasbrouck.
That's why school officials want to develop that sense of
community by building on-campus housing.
It's something many Wisconsin two-year universities are
already doing.
"Right now, we are a commuter campus where a lot of students
drive here, they stay for the day, and then they go back home," said Michelle
Boernke, Assistant Dean of Administrative Services.
School leaders say the dorm would serve 80 to 100 students.
It would cost the county nothing. Instead, a private
developer would build and manage the property, and the cost would be covered by
student housing fees.
"I think those students would enjoy the campus experience,
the student life, if they could actually stay here and live here and be part of
the community," said Boernke.
But not all students are convinced the University needs
housing.
"I don't know how much people would actually use student
housing since they all come from basically a 30 mile radius," said Laura Holm,
a freshman at UW-Marshfield/Wood County.
She said she thinks most students have no problem living
with their parents.
"I think most of the students who come here are really local
students who are trying to save money," said Holm.
But Hasbrouck said a dorm would make the campus feel more
like a community.
"You might be able to knock on a few doors, say ‘hey,' and
chill or hang out," said Hasbrouck.
School leaders said there is no timeline for the project
right now, but they hope to have a design by the end of the month.
