It was not too long ago that American River Courtyard residence hall was a completely different building.

Now, it is the new home to 600 students who moved into the suite-style units on Friday.

The new hall is part of a four-phase plan suggested by the Student Housing Advisory Committee to increase the quantity of students that reside on campus or nearby.

In July 2005, Sacramento State enlisted the aid of Anderson Strickler, a national consulting firm, to conduct a study on the demand of more on-campus housing. The study confirmed the need for an additional 2,600 beds of on-campus housing with The American River Courtyard fulfilling the first step towards this goal.

Edward Jones, associate vice president of Student Affairs, said the American River Courtyard Hall is approximately 80 percent full, while the neighboring traditional halls have all been filled to capacity.

“There was a study done in which it was proven that there is a higher chance to graduation for those who reside on campus,” Jones said.

This new hall will serve towards the goal of making Sac State less of a commuter school.

“I think this will make it so that students can experience campus life in the classroom and outside of the classroom,” Jones said.

Caitlin Kerwin, sophomore child development major, moved into the new residence hall and said she probably won’t be using her car anymore.

“I’m right on campus and everything’s so close,” she said. “I think people will want to live here, especially since [the residence halls] are new and they’re so nice.”

Julio Zuniga, sophomore film and psychology major, also moved into American River Courtyard. He said he liked the new residence hall and thinks it is a great place for students.

“It makes the school look better if more students actually live on campus,” Zuniga said.

American River Courtyard is intended for students of sophomore status and higher, international, and graduate students. There will also be fewer resident advisors than the traditional halls.

Rebecca Grupe, sophomore and resident adviser said the new halls are focusing on an older crowd, which is going to benefit Sac State a lot.

“It is like having your own apartment, but right on campus for older students that wanted something like that,” she said.

Brandon Anderson, an alumnus who spent a year in the traditional hall during his time at Sac State, compared his experience to those possible in the American River Courtyard.

“The new hall, I think, might be a better learning environment versus the old traditional halls where your friends are right there and [you] are more easily distracted,” Anderson said. “Putting more students on campus where there is an abundance of resources, and having them connect with their campus can only foster pride and excellence.”

Sylvan Mejia, senior communication studies major, believes the new hall will change the environment at Sac State.

“Nobody stays on campus too much. They do what they have to do and leave. I think this will bring a more ‘homier’ feel to the campus,” Mejia said.

Mejia is optimistic about Sac State’s future.

“Some of the buildings around campus are outdated, so having this new modern residence hall, I can say the future looks better for Sac State,” Mejia said.

Yessina Molina can be reached at [email protected].