CMU announced Wednesday three new expansion plans approved by the Board of Trustees to better accommodate student needs.

According to a press release distributed by the university, the board authorized continued planning of a new residence hall to be completed in the fall semester of 2015, a $6 million expansion of the Hamilton Recreation Center and a bachelor’s degree in nursing offered completely online.

The university’s maximum occupancy for dormitory rooms currently sits at 2,251 students. This fall 2,183 beds were assigned, resulting in a nintey-seven perecent occupancy. A conservative study conducted by Anderson Strickler, LLC estimated a demand for 360 to 765 new beds next year, signaling a need for expansion to CMU’s current eleven dormitories.

The university is still analyzing existing accommodations, but the press release distributed Wednesday claims “the exact site, size and room type will be determined and a financing plan will be presented to the board in January.”

Hamilton Recreation Center expansions are still in need of an architect and construction manager. Due to the increase in students over the past academic year, the university has identified overcrowding problems in intercollegiate and club sports and hopes to have expansions completed by December 2014.

The trustees also initiated a contract with Academic Partnerships, LLC (AP) to help develop and implement the new online nursing degree. AP will be responsible for marketing as well as student support and retention services.

“The exact start date for the new online degree program has not been set up, but it is anticipated it will be available in about six months,” said Rick Taggart, CMU Executive Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment.

The distributed press release noted that while CMU currently offers a BSN online degree, the new format will make it easier for students to pursue their degrees on their own time.

The online program will be available to students who have received an associate of applied science in nursing or currently licensed practical nurses.

CMU has reached out to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, requesting assistance in funding both the residence hall and rec center expansions, hoping to accelerate the process by listing them as the top two priorities.

cferganc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu