July 13, 2023

Ramapo College of New Jersey recognizes that the foundation to a student’s success includes development of the student as a whole person. The New Jersey Office of Higher Education recognizes it as well and awarded a $31.7 million grant to renovate Linden Hall to be a student-centered hub of core support and services.

Developed with student well-being top-of-mind, the Higher Education Capital Improvement Funds (CIF) Grant, awarded by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, enables Ramapo to advance its mission and vision by providing the campus with a space that provides a sense of community, support for health and well-being, as well as for academic and technology needs. Services will be delivered in modern and multi-purpose facilities equipped with state-of-the-art remote access technology. It is one of four revolving bond programs through which funding is being released, which also include the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT), the Higher Education Equipment Leasing Fund (ELF), and the Higher Education Technology Infrastructure Fund (HETI). 

Expansion has grown across the campus in several locations over the years to meet the changing needs of students. The innovative Linden Hall renovation rethinks the traditional delivery of public-facing administrative and student-centered services. Through holistic design and programming, the Linden Hall renovation will provide students with space to collaborate and engage with other students as well as faculty and staff. 

Sustainability is an integral part of Ramapo College operations. Repurposing Linden Hall, constructed 31 years ago as a residence hall with approximately 40,000 square feet, does not expand the footprint of the campus, retaining open, green spaces for students to enjoy, and for which Ramapo is known. 

The relocation of essential services to Linden Hall also provides the opportunity to reimagine the vacated space on other areas of campus as innovative, multi-purpose, flexible and multi-media technology spaces for the tight-knit Ramapo community. Students and community members will benefit from having access to such space for gatherings, meetings, and as alternative classrooms.

Most recently, Linden Hall served as the temporary home for the George T. Potter Library during the College’s most recent capital project, the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons, which opened in 2021. Because of its location next to residence life programming, the parking garage, and Ramapo’s core campus, it is positioned to provide the entire Ramapo community with convenient access to the building and services within. This grant would not have been possible without the support of Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges.