When students returned to Shepherd for the fall semester on August 28, they found more commuter parking on East Campus, a new space where they can study and hang out, and a new residence hall that includes an additional dining option.
During the summer, Sara Cree Hall was torn down and replaced with a 92-space parking lot (C lot), which is reserved for students who do not live on campus and who have purchased red parking decals. C lot can be accessed from Route 480 through the Erma Ora Byrd Hall parking lot.
New commuter parking lot on East Campus
The construction of the parking lot was made possible by an interest-free loan from the Higher Education Policy Commission and a contribution from the Corporation of Shepherdstown. The grassy area around the lot will be modestly landscaped through a donation by the Shepherd Success Fund. During home football games, the new lot will serve as a premium tailgating area and when not in use, will be available for general parking by campus and town visitors.
New commuter lounge in Stutzman-Slonaker Hall
The new commuter lounge is located in Stutzman-Slonaker Hall 203. Dr. Tom Segar, vice president for student affairs, said the lounge is really for any student, but is designed with input from the Student Government Association for commuter students. It offers a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and sink and a fenced-in outdoor area.
“It has nice, comfortable furniture,” Segar said. “There is some soft seating as well as tables and chairs, including high-top tables. It is a space that can be used in any way the students see fit.”
Segar said Shepherd’s population has outgrown the Student Center, which was built in 1961-1962 and expanded in 1973, so there’s a need for more places for students to congregate. The new 298-bed residence hall, Potomac Place, offers students even more study space and another dining option. The building includes student lounges and study rooms for residents, and a dining room and outdoor patio that will be open to the campus and community.