MUNCIE, Ind. -- Returning Ball State University students saw some changes when they stepped onto campus for the first time this year.
The university plans to create a "North Village" area, as both sides of the Johnson Complex have been completely renovated.
The new, eight-story Schmidt/Wilson hall cost $40 million and houses students who major in dance, theater and design. The student create what Ball State calls a Living-Learning Community. The residence hall was built tailored to these students.
"There is a stage," said Chris Wilkey of Ball State Housing and Residence Life. "They can practice here in the residence hall without having to go off-campus."
Ball State's research shows that with these Living-Learning Communities, students have higher GPAs and perform better in class.
"I really like having a dance studio," Emma Taylor, a freshman, said. "Not only to rehearse in, but also the black box theater for theater students."
There is also a design studio in the residence hall.
Also part of the changes to the north end of campus is LaFollette Complex. Part of the university's largest residence hall is getting torn down.
Ball State officials decided it was better to build new dorms instead of renovating the 50-year-old building.
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