<p>September 13, 2010</p>
<p>Lori Stahl
Reporter</p>
<p>SMU’s Board of Trustees approved plans Friday to build five new student dormitories to house sophomores, along with freshman who are already required to live on campus.</p>
<p>The new residence halls will have 1,250 beds and will be configured as a residential commons that includes space for classes, dining, social activities and live-in faculty.</p>
<p>A sophomore residency requirement has been under discussion for some time but was largely moot until more housing is built.</p>
<p>The trustees agreed Friday to spend $134.5 million on the project, using funds from a variety of sources. Construction is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed in 2014. </p>
<p>SMU is two years into the public phase of its Second Century Campaign, which to date has raised $452 million in gifts and pledges toward a goal of $750 million.</p>
<p>School officials said the sophomore residency requirement is consistent with recommendations from several task forces, including one designed to reduce substance abuse. They say the residential commons will stimulate a sense of community and increase student engagement with campus activities.</p>