Tuve Improvements expected in fall 2025

Dorm hall receives aesthetic updates, no AC or elevator access

Tuve Hall is getting a modern makeover with single rooms and renovated bathrooms, offering more comfort and privacy while preserving its warm, communal environment. 

First built in 1950 and named after former university president Anthony Tuve, the dorm is one of the oldest buildings on campus.

Like East Hall, Tuve’s history makes it special.

“East Hall has been pretty popular with juniors and seniors because [it has] single rooms and is a historic building,” President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said.

Herseth Sandlin hopes Tuve will have the same appeal when it is planned to reopen in fall of 2025. 

Tuve was last renovated in the 2018-2019 academic year, adding new carpet and modular closets.

Junior Emma Niswander spent their freshman year in Tuve.

Niswander said they liked the large rooms and big windows. AC will not be included in this year’s renovations, but Niswander said opening windows make up for the heat.

Most importantly, Niswander felt it was the community that made Tuve a great place to live. 

“We just had so much fun,” Niswander said. “I’ve never felt that much community in a dorm before.”

Now living in East Hall, Niswander misses Tuve’s atmosphere and would “definitely live there again” if given the chance, especially if the bathrooms are renovated. 

“They were pretty gross,” Niswander said. 

Students should expect new bathrooms on par with Bergsaker and Solberg including a shared bank of sinks and lockable toilet and shower units, Whitney Jibben, assistant dean of students of community standards and responsibilities, said. 

Students like freshman Pratichi Chattopadhyay value consistent bathroom conditions. Chattopadhyay currently lives in Granskou and is not impressed with the showers on her floor.

“Sometimes water will suddenly turn hot or cold, and some people have a privacy problem with the shower curtains,” Chattopadhyay said.

Chattopadhyay also feels that her dorm has too much furniture and not enough space. When studying, Chattopadhyay prefers an environment where she can spread out, which she struggles with in Granskou.

According to Jibben, if Chattopadhyay chooses to live in Tuve next year, she can reasonably expect to have more choices when it comes to arranging her room. 

“Our overall goal for renovating buildings on campus is to provide students with increased availability and flexibility,” Jibben said. 

Tuve will still not have an elevator but will continue to offer Americans with Disabilities Act accessible student rooms, restrooms and doors. Making the dorm more accessible was considered in early 2024, but it was decided that bathroom renovations would be the main focus due to budget and time constraints.

“Students who prefer a building with elevators will still have a wide variety of choices between the towers, Bergsaker, Solberg and Wagoner,” Jibben said. 

Augustana’s apartments will be renovated following Tuve’s completion.

Herseth Sandlin says that having updated housing options is important to the University.

“We’re improving student housing facilities as we’ve recommitted to the residential campus and student life experience,” Herseth Sandlin said.