ALFRED, N.Y. — Upon returning to Alfred University in the fall, students and faculty will notice some structural changes on campus. 

The university is investing more than $1 million this summer in upgrades to its residence halls and academic buildings.

Much of the investment will be in residence halls, where the university has invested approximately $2.5 million on upgrades in three years’ time.

Michael Neiderbach, executive director of capital projects at the university, said the work is part of a strategic plan implemented several years ago to refurbish the residence halls where more than 70 percent of Alfred University’s undergraduate students live during the school year.

This summer the work will include installations of updated kitchens and new bathrooms in 12 of the Ford Street apartments. Sprinkler systems for fire suppression will be installed in all apartments, and the fire alarm system will be upgraded with units that are “less prone to false alarms,” said Neiderbach.

He anticipates that, by summer 2016, all 32 apartments will have new kitchens and bathrooms.

On the north end of campus, work will continue on improvements to the Pine Hill Suites. The university is about halfway through rehabbing the seven buildings, said Neiderbach. Work includes replacing the carpeting and furniture in the individual suite common areas; installing new flooring in the stairways; and putting new bathrooms in some of the units.

Additionally, 10 of the 14 boilers that heat the buildings have been replaced, said Neiderbach.

New boilers for heating and hot water also are being installed in Openhym and Reimer halls, part of a university-wide initiative to improve energy efficiency and increase reliability.

In the academic buildings, summer work includes refurbishing of Myers Hall Room 334 to improve its functionality. 

“Today, the emphasis is on collaboration among students,” said Neiderbach. “The old-style lecture hall, with seating on risers, was not conducive to that.”

As part of the project, the room will be reoriented so it is easier for students to see the professor. The laboratory demonstration counter will be elevated so students can better view what the professor is doing. New ceilings, new lighting and new seating will be installed.

In the Science Center, Room 303, used for biology lectures, is being redone in a two-stage process. This year’s work involves expanding the size to accommodate additional students. 

The bandstand in the park on Main Street, which is owned by the university but used by the entire community, is being repaired this summer, as well.