A new year has begun at the University of Redlands, with students both old and new making their return to campus. But while students spent their summer visiting friends, doing research, or exploring their hobbies, there has been a flurry of activity by the university’s staff. Returning students may have noticed some changes to the main campus, as well as seeing a very full inbox upon return.
What’s new on campus?
Library Parking Lot
You may have noticed that the parking lot next to the Armacost Library behind Melrose and Cortner Halls is partially closed off. The university is installing new solar panels over the parking lot, similar to the ones behind Appleton Hall. Construction is planned to finish by December, if not earlier. In the meantime, take note of what parking spots are still available for use and mind the blind spots! Handicap parking is still available and is not currently affected by the renovations.
Willis Center Renaming
The Willis Center, home of the Admissions team, is now renamed to the Ken and Lynn Hall Welcome Center. Renovations to the exterior were completed during the 2024-2025 academic year, with features such as EV chargers and a more open walkway to allow a better experience for visitors to campus. Students should continue to be aware of signs listing parking spots reserved for visitors only.
Changes to Student Services
Student Services has undergone several changes over the summer, one of which is the Student Involvement and Success office receiving a new name– Campus Life.
Student employment, formerly under the Office of Business and Finance, is now jointly managed Student Affairs and the Office of Business and Finance, with hiring and employment management continuing to be under the latter. Student employment’s office is in Ken and Lynn Hall Welcome Center Room 211 from 8am-5pm on Monday-Friday. Students can also contact the student employment email (studentemployment@redlands.edu) for assistance in processing documentation or navigating the hiring process.
In addition, Human Resources (HR) and Event Services have been moved to the former Student Health Center building behind Anderson Hall. The building’s interior was newly renovated, now sporting new floors and a brighter office space.
The Student Success Center is still located in the library but, like OCPD, it has been moved from Academic Affairs to Student Affairs. Academic advising, the writing center, and accessibility services all continue this school year, and can be found in the Armacost Library Suite C and D.
There was a grand opening to celebrate the newly designated Student Success Center, with a raffle, a Habit Burger food truck, and a ribbon cutting. It was held from 12-2pm on Wednesday, Sept. 3. To enter the raffle, students visited the various areas of the Student Success Center such as Makerspace, the tutoring center, OCPD and ResNet, to receive stamps they could redeem for a raffle ticket.
The campus of Woodbury University has also had a similar restructuring of their Student Affairs offices. Alongside these changes, three staff members have joined the Woodbury Student Affairs team. Marina Serna Pulido, who is the HSI Director, is now also the Interim Director for Student Affairs. Additionally, Kristen Grammer is the new primary contact for Ed. D. student advising and Carolina Watts, Director of the Office of Disability and Accessibility Services at Woodbury, has had her role expanded to include services at all Redlands campuses.
Policies Gateway portal
In late July, an email through the University announcements from the Vice President of Institutional Integrity and Strategy & General Counsel, Chris Jennings, announced the launch of the Policies Gateway. This site is meant for members of the university community to have easy access to various policies that are important to students, staff, and faculty. This includes policies on student conduct, employment, safety, and much more. Students can access this site through the MyRedlands portal or via the email sent on July 22. For more information on other student safety efforts, members of the campus community can refer to an email from President Krista Newkirk sent on June 16 that reiterated safety efforts on the University campus or message Vice President of Student Affairs, Sandra Vasquez (sandra_vasquez@redlands.edu), for more information.
Carlotta Benson’s Passing
On July 17, 2025, an email to the University community from President Krista Newkirk formally announced the death of Carlotta Benson, a longtime member of the University’s dining staff. A regular face behind the counter of the Launch Kitchen, Benson had worked at the University for over forty years. Her memorial service took place on July 22 at The Rock Church and World Outreach Center in San Bernardino.
Harvest Table
Back from popular demand, the Table at Irvine Commons’ Mini Pop of the Month is making a return to campus. There has also been a slight change to how plates are returned after a meal. In the past, students sorted their trash into the waste station before placing dishes and utensils in the return area. Now students place everything into the return area and the Harvest Table staff takes care of the dishes, food and trash. Additional changes and updates include a dessert of the month, off-campus partnerships and a new slushy machine.
Convocations and Lectures Series Returning
Voices of Impact: the University of Redlands Convocation and Lectures series is making a return to campus. Hosted in the Memorial Chapel, the first guest speaker of the event, Congressman Pete Aguilar, ‘01, spoke as part of the New Student Orientation activities. More speakers are planned to come in the following months.
New Year Highlights
Several students shared their thoughts on the start of the new academic year.
“I’m looking forward to staying busy and getting really involved with the Redlands community,” said Lana Lansing, a sophomore double majoring in environmental science and biology,
With orientation week beginning for new students, returning students and faculty had some advice they wanted to share as well.
“It’s okay to try different things and fail, everyone sort of sticks to doing their class schedules and I think it’s good to get involved wherever you can,” Cassidy Heusser ’27 told The Bulldog.
Brad Andrews, head of admissions for the School of Performing Arts, echoed the students’ advice.
“Try something new, get outside of your comfort zone, and experience something you wouldn’t otherwise do,” he said during an interview in his office in the Memorial Chapel.
As a member of the faculty and an admission counselor, he looks forward to greeting incoming students while also recruiting students for the next year’s class, a busy but exciting time of year.
Whether it’s joining a club on campus, exploring research opportunities, or meeting new people, there are plenty of ways for students to get involved and keep up to date with the changes on campus.
Kae Yeoh is a junior majoring in music performance and is a senior reporter for the Redlands Bulldog. When not busy, Kae enjoys writing, making Spotify playlists, and watching documentaries.
