Utah Valley University (UVU) announced a new public-private partnership for freshman housing with “The Green,” a student housing community that sits across the street east of the university’s Orem Campus.

The partnership sets aside specific apartments for freshman UVU students, enabling them to be near others their own age and with Residential Community Leaders (RCLs), who will help them navigate UVU’s social and academic resources, such as UVU’s First-Year Advising Center.

More importantly, it creates a space with a culture of belonging where students can foster personal connections beyond the classroom with their peers. It will be similar to residential housing at other universities.

“UVU is committed to making sure our students succeed,” said Alexis Palmer, associate vice president of Student Development & Well-being and Dean of Students. “Our agreement with ‘The Green’ is another resource we are providing to help our students succeed and enjoy their college experience.” 

The RCLs will be responsible for helping the students engage in weekly university-related events and programming and in creating socially fun events and activities. The complex includes private locking bedrooms, study rooms, a swimming pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, music rooms with pianos, a sand volleyball court, a theater room, and other amenities.

Students have access to Utah Transit Authority (UTA) transportation at no cost, which allows easy access to shopping, food, and entertainment without the for a car.

“Having freshmen at ‘The Green’ is significant because UVU has never had on-campus housing, and research shows that type of living enhances learning experiences for first-year students,” Palmer said. “We are excited to pilot a focused freshman living experience for students and hope to explore in the future other public-private housing partnerships. “

For more information about UVU’s freshman housing at The Green, visit https://www.uvu.edu/housing/.