Saint Francis Hall to Serve as New Home for Admissions

Saint Francis Hall will soon be home to the Admissions Welcome Center. Renovations will begin in May and be completed by August. 

The location will offer a modern look and serve as a welcoming area for prospective students and their families.

“The campus-visit experience has always been one of the most critical and influential aspects of the college search process,” said Bobby Anderson, Associate Dean of Admissions. “We’re very excited and appreciative to have this opportunity to ‘up our game’ with the campus-visit experience.”

The inspiration for the relocation and renovation derives from SFU officials’ desire to make a better “first impression” to prospective students and families.

“Our prospective students and their families will have their first on-campus encounter in a warm, welcoming location,” said University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell. 

“They can relax and get situated in a lounge with a fireplace and meet with their admissions counselor in a private setting.”

The location of Saint Francis Hall will also make it easier for visitors to find the Admissions Department when they arrive to campus.

“By relocating, our prospective students and families can easily find the building,” said Fr. Malachi. “They will also have convenient, reserved, adjacent parking.”

With the move, Admissions will now be next to the Immaculate Conception Chapel. As the oldest Catholic, Franciscan university in the nation, school officials noted that this is appropriate because faith and spirituality play an important role in the lives of SFU students.

“As part of the First Destination report that is compiled by Career Services each year, nearly 80 percent of graduates believe that SFU was instrumental in developing their faith and/or values for life after college,” said Anderson. 

“Knowing the impact it makes on the lives of our students, the Office of Admissions will be able to highlight the faith life of the university in a much more profound way.”

The cost of the renovation is approximately $800,000.

“The cost includes a new parking lot adjacent to Francis Hall (across the street from Torvian) and a new foyer/entrance to the front of Francis Hall,” said Anderson.

The administration is considering several options on how to best utilize the space in Padua Hall that will be vacated when Admissions is relocated.

“I am grateful to the Admissions team, Physical Plant services and all who contributed to the design of the Admissions Welcome Center,” said Fr. Malachi.