YES to What’s Next in Campus Living

By addressing long-standing housing debt and deferred maintenance, UA can redirect more resources toward academic programs, student services, and campus infrastructure — areas that directly support student success. At the same time, the partnership delivers a stronger, more modern residential experience without shifting additional financial burden onto students.

The decision reflects both financial responsibility and a commitment to improving the student experience.

Across nine residence halls housing more than 2,400 students, UA faced approximately $33 million in deferred maintenance and $83.5 million in housing-related debt. Many of these buildings also lack modern amenities and infrastructure expected by today’s students.

By pursuing a public-private partnership, UA is able to modernize residence halls, address long-standing financial challenges and invest in campus housing in a way that supports students immediately and for decades to come.

• Immediate financial relief: A $91.6 million upfront payment helps address long-term debt and infrastructure needs.
• Quality enhancements: A $50.6 million investment dedicated to renovations will include plumbing upgrades, keyless access, improved communal spaces and added privacy.
• Budget stability: Future housing rate increases require approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education, helping keep UA’s rates among the lowest in the state.

The University of Akron is committed to keeping students and families informed every step of the way.

Students directly impacted by the renovations will receive regular email updates with timelines, milestones and any potential impacts. This webpage will be updated throughout the project with the most current information, and important announcements will also be shared through Zipmail. Students and families with questions are encouraged to contact Residence Life & Housing at reslife@uakron.edu.

Yes. As part of Radnor Campus Management, COCM conducted a “Fresh Eyes Study” to gather student feedback. This input directly influenced design priorities and operational decisions to ensure renovations reflect real student needs and preferences.

Yes. The university will continue its award-winning residence hall programming, themed and learning communities, and management of housing contracts and Resident Assistants (RAs).

Radnor Campus Management (a joint venture of Radnor and COCM) will oversee certain aspects such as custodial and maintenance services, residence hall service desks, and marketing and summer conference housing.

The university is determining long-term plans for these buildings, but they will not be used as residence halls moving forward.

• Sisler-McFawn Residence Hall will no longer be used as a residence hall after spring 2026.
• Ritchie and Orr Residence Halls will serve as swing space during fall 2026 renovations.

No. Planned moves will occur during academic breaks, such as winter break, whenever possible to minimize disruption.

Construction schedules and work hours will be coordinated to limit disruption. Students will receive advance communication about nearby construction activity.

Students living in Spanton Hall during fall 2026 will move to Bulger Hall over winter break and reside there for spring 2027.

• There will be no price increase for this move
• Students will transition into a newly renovated building
• Residence Life & Housing will assist with the move and provide advance communication

The Emerging Leaders programs will continue uninterrupted, with thoughtfully planned housing transitions that support the program’s growth and community.

For fall 2026, Emerging Leaders students (excluding Honors Emerging Leaders housed in the Honors Complex) will live together on the sixth floor of South Residence Hall in double rooms.

Beginning in fall 2027, the program will move into an expanded, purpose-designed space in Bulger Residence Hall, occupying floors 12 through 15 with a mix of single and double rooms.

As part of these upgrades, the Bulger penthouse lounge will be renovated specifically with Emerging Leaders in mind, creating a dedicated space for connection, programming, and leadership development.

No. The university will continue its award-winning residence hall programming, including traditions like 9:09s and 7:17s, along with all themed housing and Living-Learning Communities.

Yes. UA will continue to employ and manage all live-in Residence Life staff, including RAs.

COCM manages day-to-day custodial and maintenance services. Utilities such as electricity and water remain the responsibility of UA’s Physical Facilities and Operations Center.

Daytime and early evening service desk staff are students employed by COCM. Overnight service desk coverage will be provided by GardaWorld, a trusted security partner.

No. Campus safety services, emergency protocols and security systems remain unchanged and fully integrated with UA operations.

Yes. On-campus housing charges remain eligible for financial aid.

Housing rates are cohort-based and locked for four years while affordability remains a core priority. Incoming and returning students may see a rate increase compared to other cohorts.

What to expect:

• New students entering in fall 2026 and fall 2027 may see higher rates than previous cohorts.
• Returning students in fall 2027 may see rate adjustments for:
• Bulger and Spanton (due to upgraded bathroom configurations)
• Exchange Apartments (due to renovations and newly furnished living rooms)
• Rate increases apply only to new incoming cohorts unless amenities change significantly.
• State of Ohio regulations cap tuition, housing and dining increases based on CPI averages.

Moving forward, residence halls at the University of Akron will remain affiliated with the university; however, they are considered privately owned and operated.  Residence Life and Housing staff will be administering housing contracts on behalf of PRG-Akron Properties.  The university will continue enforcing housing policies and student conduct.

No. Dining plans and dining operations are not impacted by this project.

This project focuses exclusively on student residence halls. The future location of offices in the Department of Residence Life and Housing in Ritchie Hall beyond summer 2027 has yet to be determined.