Western Kentucky University is relocating 388 students from a residence hall due to questions about the building’s structural integrity.
“Earlier this academic year, members of WKU’s Facilities Management team noticed that some of the exterior masonry work on Hilltopper Hall had shifted out of position,” the university said in an email sent to Hilltopper Hall residents. “The WKU Student Life Foundation, which owns WKU’s Residence Halls, engaged a team of experts (including an architect and civil engineers) to investigate, review and assess the building. The team of experts is still performing this work. However, yesterday the Board of Directors of the Student Life Foundation met to hear and discuss preliminary findings.”
Those findings resulted in the Student Life Foundation Board of Directors deciding to “restrict all occupancy within Hilltopper Hall while the investigative work continues,” the email stated.
WKU Housing and Residence Life will work to relocate all residents by Sunday, February 4.
Students were given two housing options: Remain on campus in a different residency hall (three options were presented to students) or move off campus.
“We understand that any transition in housing poses an inconvenience and additional stress at the beginning of the semester,” the university said. “Our guiding principle is the health and safety of each of our residents and remains at the forefront of every decision we make. WKU Housing and Residence Life is committed to providing you with a safe and comfortable environment in which you can thrive. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate a challenging situation.”
(Photo: Hilltopper Hall, courtesy of wku.org)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
