A new building featuring dens, kitchenettes and computer labs will open this fall.

The first of three Union Drive Association suite buildings is on schedule to be complete and available for fall semester move-in. Starting Wednesday, returning students will be able to apply for residence at UDA Suite 1 on Access Plus.

Applications will be the same as for residency at Maple Hall, including questions based on applicants’ extracurricular involvement, academics and willingness to help younger students make the college transition, said Kate Bruns, communications specialist with the Department of Residence.

Bruns said any student can apply for a room in the new buildings.

“New students wishing to live in the Suite Building will go through the normal residency application process in April, on a first-come, first-served basis,” Bruns said.

Heather Phillips, Maple Hall director, agreed with Bruns on the importance of student involvement when applying for residency at Maple Hall or the suite buildings.

“The preferred qualifications for returning students include a GPA that demonstrates academic success, evidence of university and/or community involvement, no serious judicial record with Iowa State University and completion of a cocurricular transcript,” Phillips said.

The suite building will provide many benefits to its new residents, along with the given bonus of it being a new building, Bruns said.

“It is a very unique building,” Bruns said. “All the rooms are suites, with two students living in two rooms, which are adjoined by a bathroom that the four students will share.”

The new buildings will feature a den, kitchenette, laundry facility, small computer lab and small study group room, Phillips said. The first floor of each building will also have a multi-purpose classroom and lounge.

Although the building is under construction, its completion is scheduled for June 28, said James Judy, assistant director of the Department of Residence. Suite Building 1 will be complete and ready for occupancy in August, Judy said.

The second suite building is projected for opening in the fall of 2004.

“[Director of the Department of Residence Randy Alexander] has recently requested permission to proceed with the planning for the design and construction of Suite Building 2 from the university’s administration, and we are currently waiting for a response that would allow us to begin the process,” Judy said.

Applications must be completed by March 20 in order to be considered for residency.