The University of Oregon announced Tuesday that it will close Barnhart Residence Hall and Barnhart Dining Hall for the 2026–27 academic year. The university also plans not to occupy Riley Hall, though it will retain the residence hall as a backup option should housing demand require its use.
In an email to staff Tuesday afternoon, University Housing Director Michael Griffel pointed to an estimated 9% to 10% reduction in on-campus housing demand for the upcoming academic year following a significant decrease in out-of-state enrollment.
In fall of this year, 1,888 nonresident first-year students are expected to enroll. This is 500 fewer than the typical average the university has used in previous projections. This drop in enrollment is contributing to the $65 million structural budget deficit recently announced by the university that has so far resulted in a wage and hiring freeze across campus…