M E M O R A N D U M

		September 20, 2011

To:	Members of the Board of Trustees

From:	Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor

Subject: 	Construction of Residence Hall – Jamestown Community College


Action Requested

	The proposed resolution approves the construction of a 110-bed residence hall on the campus of Jamestown Community College. 

Resolution

	I recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution:

Whereas Education Law §6310(10) provides that all proposals for the construction of community college facilities adopted by a regional community college board of trustees shall be approved by the legislative body or board of all counties appointing members to such board of trustees and by the State University Trustees; and 

Whereas Jamestown Community College seeks to construct a 110 bed residence hall on the grounds of Jamestown Community College; and 

Whereas by resolution dated June 28, 2011, the Jamestown Community College Regional Board of Trustees authorized the construction of said residence hall; and

Whereas the Chautauqua County Legislature by Resolution No. 142-11, adopted on June 24, 2011, authorized the financing for a 110 bed residence hall to be constructed on the grounds of Jamestown Community College; and
Whereas the City of Jamestown by resolution dated July 28, 2011 approved the construction of a 110 bed residence hall on the grounds of Jamestown Community College; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved that the State University Trustees hereby approve the construction of a 110 bed residence hall on the grounds of Jamestown Community College in accordance with Education Law §6310(10).

Background

	In 2006 the Jamestown Community College (“College”) conducted a residence hall feasibility study.  The study indicated that the College could sustain approximately 440 beds.  Accordingly, two 110 bed residence halls were constructed on the grounds of Jamestown Community College and were opened to students in August 2008.

	The existence of the halls on the Jamestown campus of the College has had a profound positive impact on the College.  The residence halls have enabled the College to attract international students as well as students from outside of New York State.  The residence halls have enabled local students, many who are the first in their families to attend college, to experience the benefits of “living where you learn” at a very modest cost.  The campus has become more vibrant as the resident students make more use of the library and computer labs.  They attend more of the sporting events offered by the College, and they attend more college sponsored events like concerts, lectures and art exhibits. In addition, these resident students also contribute to the local economy through their purchasing power.

	Over the past two of the last three academic years during which the residence halls have been open, the halls have been reserved to capacity and filled earlier in each calendar year on a year-to-year basis.  Going into the fourth year of operation (2011-2012), the residence halls were reserved to capacity by April 2011, the earliest date yet. Residence hall applications and deposits were no longer accepted after a waiting list of more than 50 students with deposits was developed.  Given this overwhelming support for residence halls, the College feels that a third 110 bed residence hall is not only desirable, but necessary.

	The College’s planning process has been thorough.  A conservative total project cost, after the receipt and review of bid proposals, of $6,500,000 includes construction, contingencies, soft costs, and debt service.  Chautauqua County, one of the regional sponsors of the College is providing the financing for the project along with the approval of the City of Jamestown and the Jamestown Community College Regional Board of Trustees, the other two regional sponsors of the College. Chautauqua County will finance the project by issuing county bonds.

Board Resolution	-3-	September 20, 2011