New South Quad expansion will enhance student living, learning experiences

This summer, building designs and site preparations are underway on two new academic buildings and a residence hall that will support student learning and social development while providing faculty state-of-the-art facilities for research, advanced pedagogy and immersive learning approaches that model future careers.

The Board of Trustees approved $244 million for the South Quad projects in January. This transformative growth opportunity will be funded through a combination of the university’s endowment, philanthropic efforts and debt financing.  

“This unprecedented set of investments, the first standalone new buildings on the Mount Carmel Campus since the early ‘90s, will enable necessary advances in academic, research and student learning-living experiences at Quinnipiac for years to come,” said President Judy D. Olian. “They are critical in achieving the ambitious goals articulated in our strategic plan as we create the University of the Future.” 

The New South Quad 

The three buildings will be constructed within existing space on the Mount Carmel Campus, located between Tator Hall and the current College of Arts and Sciences on the southern part of campus. The proposed new buildings are: 

• School of Business – Home to future business leaders and entrepreneurs, the 79,000-square-foot academic building will house the School of Business and feature a Business Innovation Hub as an incubator to build and test new ideas; a financial technology center where students will use cutting-edge trading platforms, investment tools and data systems; faculty offices; and flexible lecture and event space that can seat up to 150 people to facilitate large and small gatherings. An environmentally conscious central energy plant also will be housed below the new School of Business. 

• General academic building – This 137,000-square-foot facility will feature state-of-the-art wet and dry labs, a greenhouse and vivarium (animal habitat), space to expand QU’s computing programs, new classrooms, collaborative spaces for breakout and group study, and offices for deans and faculty. In addition, the building will house a modern auditorium to seat 600-800 people for many important university and community events. 

• Residence hall – A 417-bed residence hall will position Quinnipiac to offer more singles and doubles, accommodate more residential students on campus, and enrich the living-learning experience. The air-conditioned buildings will offer extracurricular opportunities for students to gather, build community, and advance their career readiness and emotional well-being through the design of appropriate spaces. The building also will include group gathering spaces, lounges and an outdoor courtyard. 

“These new major building projects signify the trustees’ conviction about Quinnipiac‘s bright future,” said Arthur Rice, Board of Trustees chairman. “Quinnipiac has long been a leader in positioning its students for successful careers and fulfilling lives, and these buildings will add to these distinctions while supporting advanced faculty research and immersive teaching approaches.”

Committed to sustainability 

All three buildings aim for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) as the university continues to advance its strategic sustainability plan promoting a healthy regional ecosystem that stimulates students, faculty and staff to practice sustainable behaviors in their personal and professional lives. 

Also, early building designs for the new residence hall will explore the installation of a green roof with live vegetation and/or solar panels for energy generation. 

All three buildings are scheduled to open during the 2024-2025 academic year, pending necessary town approvals.