New Residential Life Director Looks to Make Improvements

By BREANNA BOLLE/Staff Writer 

There has been chatter among students regarding housing for the fall and next spring semester. 

The UT Tyler’s Residence Life and Housing department’s new executive director is Dr. Joseph Berthiaume.

Berthiaume received his Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has experience in residence life and housing for over 30 years. He said he values student inputs and works to be a “positive difference maker.” 

Berthiaume has been employed at over 7 universities.

Efforts to Improve

Berthiaume is doing a “listening tour” where he goes to students to understand where the Housing, Residence Life and University Center departments can make improvements. He is gauging what activities students want and how to increase student engagement.

There are over 1,000 students living on campus, and the housing department continues to brainstorm on how to provide housing for all who wish to live on campus.

According to Berthiaume, this includes exploring “more resources local to Tyler.”

“Looking at permanent housing options and building new housing facilities takes money and time,” he said.

Students on Campus

Berthiaume’s goal is to provide quality housing that complements academic success and for students to have good memories of living on campus. He said there is a high demand for housing; students want to engage and connect.

“We’ve learned from the pandemic that connections are vital,” Berthiaume said. “There’s a future for student housing.”

Berthiaume and other staff of the Residence Life and Housing department believe on-campus housing provides more opportunities, increases graduation rates and unites students.

There are three Living-Learning-Communities (LLC) on campus housing. These include Honors, First Generation and Pre-Nursing communities. These students are bonded in a common academic interest and live in Ornelas Hall.

Specialized groups include BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) students and athletes. BSN students live in Victory Village, with the opportunity for summer housing. Some athletes live in Liberty Landing. This allows students get to classes without commuting.

Residency Policy

The residency policy is as follows:

• Students who have fewer than 60 credit hours (excluding AP/dual credit or credit-by-exam tests) must live on campus if facilities are available.
• Housing includes University Pines or UT Tyler owned properties Ornelas Hall, Patriot Village, Liberty Landing or Victory Village.
  • Liberty Landing and Victory Village are for upperclassmen.
  • University Pines is not owned by UT Tyler, and is not covered by financial aid.
• Students who meet the waiver requirements may be exempt from living on campus. A waiver request must be submitted through the Housing portal of students in myUTTyler and have it approved by Residence Life. Waiver requirements are for those who:
  • live within 50 miles of Tyler with a parent or legal guardian (as evidenced by a current tax return)
  • are married
  • are 21 or over or will be before the 12th day of class
  • are enlisted, active duty or veterans with documentation
  • have a medical disability that cannot be accommodated on campus
  • have custody of a child and who can provide the housing department with an original birth certificate of the child or custody documentation
  • are enrolled for eight or fewer semester credit hours during the fall and/or spring semesters
• Students who do not meet the requirement for the housing waiver and do not apply for housing, will be assessed charges for the lowest cost housing and meal plan.

Housing Options 

Freshmen live in Ornelas Hall, Patriot Village or University Pines. Upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors and seniors) choose from Liberty Landing, Victory Village or University Pines.

Ornelas Hall

Ornelas Residence Hall, referred to by students as O-Hall, is primarily for freshmen and is classic dorm-style living.

It is five stories tall and overlooks Harvey Lake.

The two floor options are “Double occupancy rooms,” which have room for two students, and “Triple-occupancy suites,” which have room for three students.

Triple-occupancy suites have three bedrooms and a common space. Neither floor plan has a kitchen.

Patriot Village

Patriot Village, or PV, is for freshmen and is more of an apartment style. The floor plan consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a common area and kitchen.

It is a good choice for students wanting to experience on-campus housing as a freshman and yet have the feeling of an apartment.

There are two main buildings, each with three floors and laundry rooms.

 University Pines

University Pines is on-campus housing; an independent apartment complex that has a contract with UT Tyler.

There are several floor plans. including four-bedroom, two-bathrooms; two bedrooms, two bathrooms; studio apartment and one-bedroom, one-bathroom.

Unlike the other options, University Pines is monthly rent and the bill cannot be covered by financial aid.

Apartments come with a kitchen and common space. On-site are a laundry care room, pool and Amazon Hub.

Liberty Landing 

Liberty Landing is on-campus housing (apartment style) across the street from the alumni circle near UT Tyler’s east entrance.

It is for upperclassmen and has five floor plans. These include four-bedroom, two-bathroom; four-bedroom, four-bathroom; three-bedroom, three-bathroom; two-bedroom, two- bathroom; and one-bedroom, one-bathroom.

Liberty landing is fully furnished and each floor plan includes a washer and dryer and other amenities, including a pool.

Victory Village

Victory Village (apartment style) is farther from the university than the other on-campus housing options. It is for upperclassmen and has similar amenities to Liberty Landing.

Its floor plans include two different layouts of two-bedroom, two-bathroom; three-bedroom, three-bathroom; and four-bedroom, four-bathroom.

Housing Rates

Housing rates can be found on their website. These are updated to reflect the academic year as time approaches. 

Meal Plans

Students living on campus are required to buy a meal plan. There are four meal-plan option:

• Patriot Premium Plan: includes Unlimited meals in Met, $100 dining dollars, Bottomless cup and a Pizza Party to-go for 10.
• Pride Plan: includes 15 meals each week in Met, $200 dining dollars and a Bottomless cup.
• Star Plan: includes 10 meals each week in Met, $600 dining dollars and a Bottomless cup.
• Orange Plan: includes $1,000 dining dollars and 10 meals in Met for the semester.
• Blue Plan: includes $400 dining dollars, 45 meals in Met for the semester

Victory Village Sidewalk, Renovations at Liberty Landing

Berthiaume said they are in the final stages of the sidewalk building that connects Liberty Landing and Victory Village. 

Liberty Landing may also receive renovations this summer.

“We need to evolve with the students and the time,” Berthiaume said. “We must think about the students needs and their futures here at UT Tyler.”

Reaching out

Berthiaume has expressed his desire for students to talk to the housing department about concerns or questions, including help with mental health.

He encourages students reach out and advocate for themselves. Students should “reach out personally and feel like they can speak up,” Berthiaume said.

Resources

Sometimes students don’t know who to talk to. Below are resources:

Housing

The housing office is located at Liberty Landing, 3080 Old Omen Rd. Tyler, TX, 75701

Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-566-7008 
• Email:
• Main Website
• Other Housing Contact Info

Transportation

The University has worked with the Tyler Transit to provide free rides to UT Tyler students.  With a valid student ID, students may ride any transit line. There are three transit locations surrounding the campus. 

More information is found here.

Student Accessibility and Resources (SAR)

The SARs office is located in the University Center, suite 3150.

Operating hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-566-7079
• Email:  
• Main Website
• Resources for Students with Disabilities

Student Counseling Center

The student counseling center is in University Center, Suite 3170, and offers free counseling for students.

Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-565-5746
• Email:
• 24/7 Crisis Line: 903-566-7254
• Main Website
• Schedule a First Single Session Appointment
• Students may also schedule telehealth appointments through the app- My Student Support Program (My SSP) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This app offers:
  • Real-time chat and phone support (no appointment needed)
  • Short-term scheduled support and counseling via phone or video with a dedicated professional counselor
  • Access to virtual fitness sessions, wellbeing assessments, articles, podcasts, and more.
  • Check it out
  • Students may also call My SSP at 1-800-834-1215

Student Conduct and Intervention

CARE Team, or Student Conduct and Intervention is located in the University Center, suite 3320.

Operating hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-565-5946
• Email:
• Main Website

Those who feel threatened or know someone in extreme distress, should call 911 or University Police Department Dispatch at 903-566-7300. The CARE Team does not respond directly to emergencies. Students who need additional consultation, can contact the Crisis Line at 903-566-7254.

University Health Clinic

The University Health Clinic is located at 3310 Patriot Drive.

It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Phone: 903-939-7870
• Main Website
• Services Offered
• Women’s Health

Career Success

The Office of Career Success is in University Center, Suite 2150.

It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-565-5862
• Email:
• Main Website

Financial Aid

Students who receive financial aid that covers housing must contact housing if they were waitlisted when choosing a space.

Those who have questions about financial aid can contact One-Stop Service center, Stewart Hall, Suite 230.

It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Phone: 903-566-7180
• Email:
  • Students must know their Student ID and FERPA pin to speak about account information.

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