THE OFFICE of the Vice President for University and Global Relations (OVPUGR) introduced the International Residence Halls (IRH) as a means to improve university accommodation conditions and attract a greater Atenean dorm population. These discussions commenced during town hall meetings held on October 1 and 3 at the University Dorm (UD).
At these gatherings, the OVPUGR explained the role of the IRH in the University’s internationalization framework. The town hall meetings also tackled the dynamics of the IRH, as well as as its differences from the UD, and Eliazo and Cervini Halls.
University and Global Relations Vice President Joey Cruz, SJ clarified that the IRH will not only accept international and foreign exchange students, but local dormers and transient guests of the Ateneo as well. He also confirmed that it is set to open on January 16, 2019, but will officially start accepting dormers by June of that year.
Issues on building the IRH
The town hall meetings acted as a space for students and faculty to raise questions on the necessity of constructing another residence building rather than upgrading the existing dormitories on campus.
As a response, Cruz highlighted that the main goal in building the IRH is to increase bed space and accommodations within the University. Cruz also pointed out the current state of Atenean dorm life at present by saying that many Ateneans are living in condominiums out of the campus due to “better living conditions,” such as the inclusion of larger, air-conditioned rooms.
The improved features of the IRH would opt dormers to stay within the campus dormitories rather than those along Katipunan. The IRH, according to the OVPUGR, is also necessary to entice more international students to study in the Ateneo.
Additionally, Cruz disclosed that they have looked into two possible options on arranging the management of the IRH. Aside from the choice of independently hiring new maintenance employees, the administration is also considering hiring a private management group to supervise maintenance operations in the IRH.
The OVPUGR also expressed the possibility of IRH accepting scholar dormers. However, the Office of Admissions and Aid has yet to confirm how these arrangements will commence.
On the other hand, Cruz explained that dorm culture in the IRH will be different from the Filipino-based formation in the rest of the Residence Halls since cultural and social differences need to be considered.
With this, Ateneo Residence Halls Director Rene San Andres shared that the RH Administration is still in discussion for plans on the integration of the IRH into the dorm community.
“We are looking at a bigger [dorm] community,” San Andres said. “Nothing is set yet but planning will be ongoing.”
Nevertheless, he encouraged the current residents to voice out their ideas for the improvement of the existing dorm facilities as the administration hopes to device a development plan to come after the completion of the 2012-2018 dorm enhancements.
University Internationalization Plan
According to Assistant to the VPUGR Maria Teresa Santos, the IRH will act as an instrument of their office’s University Internationalization Plan.
The Internationalization Plan, as explained by Santos, is the core approach of the office to achieve a ‘Global Ateneo’ by 2030. This will involve the offering of global courses, strengthening the faculty profile through international experience, and promoting the diversity of students and faculty.
The more immediate course set by the OVPUGR is the goal to accomplish “a more international Ateneo by 2020” with four focus areas, one of which is to provide a conducive environment for internationalization. She explained that the IRH will be a key factor of this, as it is projected to help increase the population of international students.
“We would like to produce graduates that would be regional and global leaders with the depth of thought and imagination,” Santos said.
IRH features in detail
Moreover, Santos said that the IRH, which is currently being constructed along Fr. Masterson Drive, will have two wings, with the former Alingal Hall converted into a service facility. A total of 155 rooms will be equipped with basic room arrangements, as well as air conditioning and an indoor toilet and shower.
Instead of housing four students per room like the arrangement in the existing residence halls, the IRH will only accommodate two dormers per room. This setup, as referred to by Santos, is appropriate given the implications of having international residents from different backgrounds and cultures. This brings the maximum capacity of the IRH at 310 residents, 60% of which are aimed to be international guests.
“Why did we build the International Residence Halls in the first place? The idea was to increase both international and local students at a targeted ratio of 60%-40% [respectively],” Santos stated.
Additionally, other amenities that will be added to the IRH are a laundromat, cafe, entertainment hall, dining hall, kitchenette, business center (for photocopying, printing and phone call services), prayer rooms, study areas, indoor and outdoor spaces for visitors, and possibly a convenience store as well.
The new residence halls will also consist of 24-hour reception services, a security and emergency response unit, and weekly general cleaning. Formation programs and in-house resident advisers will also be present.
OVPUGR cited these roster of features as the improvements from the current facilities and services offered in the Residence Halls.
As revealed by the OVPUGR, dormitory rates will be set at Php 18,000 per semester with the additional costs of Ateneo Resident Students Association (ARSA) fees. The weekly rate for staying at the IRH costs Php 8,400, whereas the daily rate costs Php 1,200.
Official visitors of the University will also be welcomed to stay in the IRH. Daily room rates for transients will amount to Php 3,000, weekly rates cost Php 16,800 while monthly rates will be at Php 36,000.
