Steve Erwin, vice president for campus life and auxiliary affairs, said PSU sought permission from the Kansas Board of Regents to sell bonds to pay for the projects. He said this method is typical for student housing projects, as revenues from students living in the housing can be used to pay off the bonds over long periods of time.

The bonds for the old residence halls, Erwin said, were paid off in the 1990s.

Erwin said the new building has become necessary because the school has been in overflow housing mode for the past several years. Mitchell Hall, once used only as overflow housing, is now used every semester.

Dorm suites

The suites will include a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, separate bathrooms, and, at least in some cases, private bedrooms.