ABAC Lakeside

ABAC Lakeside is Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s newest housing facility. Lakeside is ABAC’s first ever residence that is strictly just for freshmen. Construction on the $17 million facility was completed in a little over a year.Lakeside opened its doors on August 15, 2007 to 489 freshmen.

History

On October 23, 2006, Ambling University Development Group (AUDG), along with the president of ABAC, Dr. David Bridges, held the groundbreaking for ABAC Lakeside. According to Ambling’s website, Ambling University Development Group is:

“A subsidiary of Ambling Companies, Inc., one of the nation’s leading developers, builders and managers
of university communities, the University Development Group is comprised of experts in the fields of financing, construction and development of both on- and off-campus communities. The team is committed to helping universities succeed in their development goals and objectives.”

The doors opened to the new freshmen residents on August 15, 2007. The project took a little over a year.

Suites

ABAC Lakeside has suite-style rooms. Each suite contains two bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchenette. In double-occupancy suites, four people share two rooms, and two bathrooms. Unlike ABAC Place, Lakeside does not offer livingrooms and full kitchens in each apartment. However, unlike ABAC Place, ABAC Lakeside offers plenty of room for students to interact together on the main floor. This encourages the new freshmen on campus to meet new people and not stay confined in their room all of the time.

Security and safety

Lakeside has a variety of measures for safety and security. There are staff members available twenty-four hours a day at the front desk. In order to enter the building, one must swipe an ABAC Gold Card. This helps prevent people from entering the building who are not approved. Students are able to enter the front door at any time, and through the back door until ten p.m. If a resident does decide to bring a visitor, the visitor must present a photo identity, and sign in and out at the front desk.

Fire safety
The entire building is equipped with smoke detectors, fire alarms and a sprinkler system. Fire drills are practiced throughout the semester, and staff members are instructed on what to do if an emergency were to arise. Emergency exits are located at both ends of every hall to accommodate residents in the event of a building evacuation. Safety is also secured outside as well. All around the campus are emergency call boxes. If a student has an emergency, all they do is press a button on one of the poles and a police officer would respond. ABAC police are also available to escort students back to their apartment from the campus late at night if they feel uncomfortable walking alone.

Academics facilities

Each hallway contains at least two rooms entirely dedicated to studying. Students are able to go into the designated study rooms and not be bothered by anything. Students find it convenient to have a quiet place to go outside of their room. Lakeside also has computers available for student’s access. The building has a room called the "Cyber Café", which is a place where the residents can use the provided computers to either surf the Internet, or catch up on assignments. High-speed and wireless internet is also available throughout the entire building.

Community assistants

Lakeside is divided into 19 different clusters of 24 students. Each section has one Community Assistant. A CA is a student at ABAC who has lived on campus for at least one semester, and assists on-campus residents. CAs plan activities throughout the year for the residents, with the goal of making the transition to college easier. CAs are available if any trouble arises, such as if a student gets locked out of their room.

Learning communities

ABAC also incorporates a variety of learning communities. A learning community takes a group of freshmen who has some of the same interests, and puts them in the same area of a residence hall. Each learning community also takes some of their classes together. Learning Communities serve as an aid to help students to better adjust to college life.

ABAC Lakeside offers six different Learning Communities. They include:

*A Passion for Learning: The Honors Experience
*Blogging, Gaming, and Gadgets!
*You Might Be A Leader If…
*Mind, Body, and Spirit
*Sweet Tea and Fried Chicken
*Wal-Martopia

Other features

Lakeside is more than just a housing facility. It offers freshmen a variety of activities that they can enjoy. The main floor area contains a fully-equipped kitchen where the residents are able to cook meals at any time. Also, adjacent to the kitchen is a large living area, furnished with tables, chairs, couches, and even a large flat screen television. ABAC Lakeside has a game room with a pool table and other table games. Students often hold various pool tournaments in the game room. It also provides students with a laundry facility, so there is rarely a need to travel off campus.

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