UIS gets a new dorm

College life in Springfield is becoming more of a university tradition. Enrollment at the University of Illinois at Springfield is growing... And so is dorm life.. Dorm life is something new to UIS campus. The only dorm on campus is right behind me ... But its a getting a neighbor ...One that will add more campus life for students. This near 16 million dollar project ... Will attract 200 new freshmen and sophomores in a whole new way. "I like the fact that the bookstore in with it. I think that gives a whole new environment and I think the classrooms in there are going to be great so now students can really live and learn in the same environment." said Lincoln Hall Resident Assistant, Kyle Simpson. To whats been known as a commuter school ... enrollment at uis increased by 200 students this year. So adding another dorm with a food court ... More single rooms and classrooms ... Is expected to make quite an impact. "Itll ripple with more development and growth because I keep hearing because with enrollment management plans that were going to have to turn around as soon as this one is built and start planning for 2010." Said UIS Housing Director, John Ringle. This resident assistant says hell have graduated by the time it opens ... But hopes incoming freshman will see this as an opportunity to build on campus life. "With the more people that we have on campus the more clubs well have the more events well have that even this year when we included the new group of freshman the amount of student life events has grown." Said Simpson. The housing director says U of Is president is big on making the roof more energy efficient by planting greenery.... that would cost about 100 thousand dollars more but could end saving more dollars in the end. Ground breaking is set for May ... And the students could start moving in fall 2008.