FAQs: Students and Families

What's going on with these on-campus construction projects?  

It's an exciting time at Dartmouth, as the institution is making significant investments in critical areas such as energy and housing. While you currently see various stages of construction, once completed, these projects will all help Dartmouth reach our goals of zero carbon operations by 2050 and 1,000 new beds over the next decade.  

What specifically is being done?  

Construction projects are taking place in three distinct areas—energy transition, housing, and renewal/renovation.  

• On the energy side, our teams are installing piping and electrical duct banks in multiple locations that will enable Dartmouth to transition from steam to hot-water heating using geo-exchange technology. As part of this work, in June 2025, Crosby Street was closed to motor vehicles for installation of an underground distribution piping vault, which will serve as a key connection point for the network of pipes. The complex project is expected to take 12-18 months and is the next phase of the decarbonization initiative of the Dartmouth Climate Collaborative, which is our commitment to address climate change and sustainability on campus and beyond. You can read more about the collaborative here.  

• In addition, the residence hall renovation projects you see are part of a generational housing renewal effort that's designed to renovate undergraduate housing. Here's additional information on our housing commitment.  

• On the renewal/renovation front, major construction on the expanded and reimagined Hopkins Center for the Arts has wrapped up. The Hop will remain closed to the public as technical teams install and test specialized equipment, digital lighting systems, and acoustics in preparation for faculty and students to move into the space in the fall and for the grand opening in October. In addition, work is underway at the Courtyard Cafe, located at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, to enhance customer experience through cutting-edge ordering technology capabilities, while also offering optional in-person customer service. A reopening of the café is planned for October 2025. 

Why is it happening all at once rather than being done in phases?  

Our larger projects related to distribution piping and housing are being completed in phases, but they also are linked as a component of our residence hall renewal projects includes preparation of infrastructure for the transition away from fossil fuels. In addition, much of our infrastructure is more than 100 years old and in need of repair and modernization. Rather than sinking resources into outdated and inefficient systems, we're taking this opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint in a lasting way through a comprehensive geo-exchange system.   

What is the impact to students?  

The distribution piping work will be done in sections, and minor disruptions will include sidewalk and crosswalk closings and occasional minor impacts to traffic patterns. While efforts are being made to reduce the impact across campus, some benches and bike racks will be temporarily removed, and some landscaping will be affected. During housing renewal construction, the Office of Residential Life has identified alternative housing options for undergraduates.   

With all the construction going on, will it be quiet enough for students to sleep and study?  

Our project managers work closely with construction crews to ensure that construction activities near residence halls begin no earlier than 7 a.m. and in compliance with Town of Hanover noise ordinances. Project managers also help ensure that Residential Operations teams are aware of planned construction, so it can be communicated to students through appropriate channels.   

What is the impact for move-in?   

Our Student Affairs and Residential Life teams are hard at work making sure your student's move-in experience will be positive—whether your student is arriving on campus for the first time or returning for another great year. To ensure you know what to expect before you leave home, we're planning to distribute helpful logistics information around issues such as navigating to residence halls and drop-off locations. In addition, in-person teams will be on hand on September 3 to help direct traffic, facilitate the move-in process, answer questions, and offer any type of assistance that's needed as first-year students settle in.   

Is it safe for students to be moving in items amidst all the construction?  

Yes. Student safety is our highest priority. We are coordinating with teams from Project Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Department of Safety and Security, and other campus organizations to ensure that construction areas around residence halls are secure and safe for pedestrian access during move-in.   

Will any campus activities be curtailed because of construction?  

Campus activities will continue as planned, offering Dartmouth students a rich array of programs and events. At times, some athletic facilities—including Boss Tennis Center and Leverone Field House— have been closed temporarily due to construction-related upgrades, and our Project Management team works to coordinate these temporary closures during the summer or off-season as much as possible.  

I've been assigned to Summit on Juniper. How will I get to the main campus for class and other activities? 

To help you get to where you need to be, Dartmouth has developed a robust transportation plan that includes a variety of free shuttles. We also have a dedicated Summit on Juniper (SOJ) Campus Connector, and these buses run seven days a week and make several core campus stops near residence clusters with spur service to DHMC and Summit on Juniper housing.  

• Click here to see the regular Campus Connector SOJ Service Schedule (last bus leaves SOJ at 2 a.m.) and track the Campus Connector bus and locate stops here.  

• Please note: Dartmouth Campus Connector periods of reduced and no service occur on some holidays and academic periods and will be announced in advance on VOX. Click here and scroll down to see the reduced-service schedule. 

In addition, ADVANCE TRANSIT, a fare-free service, provides weekday loop service between core campus locations, downtown Hanover, Thompson Lot and Dewey Lot. The shuttle runs every 7 minutes between 7-10 a.m. and 3– 7 p.m., and every 30 minutes between 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Schedule and trackers available at DARTMOUTH - DOWNTOWN SHUTTLE. 

For more information on transportation-related topics, take a look at our Transportation page. Please contact Transportation Services with any questions.  

Can you share any updates on residence hall construction, such as what's taking place at Fayerweather Hall or Russo Hall? 

The renewal of Fayerweather Hall's three 120-year-old neo-Georgian buildings are part of the housing renewal plan that's updating Dartmouth's existing housing stock. The hall is being thoroughly reenvisioned for modern needs while preserving its historic character. Excavation for the hot water conversion loop is complete, exterior masonry work continues, new copper roofing is underway, and window installation has begun. Fayerweather Hill Road has reopened to traffic, and access to Richardson Hall is via Fayerweather Hill Road from College Street, and access to Ripley-Woodward-Smith is via Ivy Lane from North Park Street. Observatory Road from East Wheelock remains closed for the duration of construction in order to install new sewage lines. Anticipated completion date is summer 2026.  

Russo Hall, a new undergraduate residence hall under construction, will provide apartment-style housing for juniors and seniors on West Wheelock Street. The building's steel superstructure is in place and site work continues to support the building and utilities. Anticipated completion date is summer 2026.