A 376-bed living facility is on schedule to accommodate students at Troy University beginning in the fall of 2013, but it isn’t an ordinary dorm.

The new residence hall has a faith-based twist and will also be home to a Newman Center – a 2,300 square-foot chapel that is the centerpiece of the development.

“Over time, about 77 percent of all of our entering students consistently profess that spiritual values are very important to them,” said Dr. John Schmidt, Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Relations at Troy University. “We believe that we are fulfilling a need.”

The Newman Center is a Catholic ministry found on secular campuses throughout the world and on more than 270 campuses in the United States, but students don’t have to be Catholic to make their home at the new facility.

Schmidt said that preference will be given to students who express they want a faith-based living style. Residents will also be asked to provide a reference from someone in a leadership role who knows the student, maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA, and be active in a faith-based activity, such as going to church or participating in a faith organization on campus.

“We introduced the Trojan Way some years ago on campus,” Schmidt said. “It highlights the need for integrity and caring for yourself and others. We think all of that ties nicely into the students we are trying to teach both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Much like the Trojan Village on campus, the facility will include both two and four room arrangements with shared bathrooms. However, the price will be lower than the Trojan Village. Two bedroom suites will cost $2,215 per student per semester and four bedroom suites will run $1,970 per student per semester.

The Newman Center is across from the university’s new dining facility and within walking distance to several campus ministries and churches.

“I think this facility represents who we are as a university,” Schmidt said. “It’s not just inside the classroom. It’s outside the classroom, too.”

The facility will be drug and alcohol free and Fr. Den Irwin of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church will oversee the Newman Center.

The facility broke ground in July and is estimated to cost $11.8 million.