EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Abundant hugs, selfie moments, and farewell wishes will permeate over two days when Eastern Michigan University welcomes students back to campus for the fall on Thursday, Aug. 24, and Friday, Aug. 25.

About 2,500 first-year and returning students will step foot for the first time into Downing, Putnam, and Walton– three newly renovated residence halls – all part of a three-year $200 million initiative known as Welcome Home 2025. This is a 4 percent increase from last year in students living on campus. 

“We are excited to be in a celebratory year with our first newly renovated buildings coming online and our first opening in which COVID is not the top news story,” said Jeanette Zalba, director of Housing and Residence Life at Eastern Michigan University. “Living on campus is a great way to feel part of the EMU community. Over 100 student employees have moved to campus and are ready to serve the residential community.”

Whether students are experiencing Eastern for the first time or returning for another semester, the first few weeks are filled with opportunities to meet new people, get to know the campus better, or get involved. Students can get acquainted with the campus during EMU Connect, which offers numerous activities, from meet-and-greet activities to establishing academic success. 

“Students representing 50 states and 83 countries call Eastern Michigan University their home away from home,” said EMU President James Smith. “It’s critical that we meet their academic and wellness needs. Through Welcome Home 2025, we can achieve that goal by offering upgraded student housing and amenities.”

Welcome Home 2025 represents the most significant transformation of the Eastern Michigan University campus in decades. The project includes renovations to all remaining residence halls on the University’s campus and two new student-living facilities that host an additional 700 beds in an apartment-style living arrangement. Students had a strong voice in the design process, with more than a dozen focus groups and a student survey that engaged more than 1,850 student participants. 

Josh Boyd, EMU residence assistant, is excited about the new residence halls since he has plans to reside in one when he becomes a graduate student.  

“I've been following the renovation news since the beginning,” said Boyd. “I was on an advisory committee for housing during the 2021-2022 school year, and we were some of the first students to know. All of the concepts I've seen look awesome, and updating the existing dorms to be more aesthetically aligned with Wise is a great choice.”

For additional background information about the timeline and extensive campus and student engagement in the design and development process, visit welcomehome2025.com.    

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.