Northern Illinois University officials describe the various construction projects geared to attract a decreasing number of high school graduates as a “Residential Renaissance.”

Probably the most obvious project is the new, still-unnamed residence hall, which will be open for students this fall, said Brad Hoey, the university’s marketing and communications director.

Meanwhile, the university still is raising funds for the Chessick Practice Center, an all-weather training facility for all NIU athletes. Athletic director Jeff Compher said the school has raised more than $8.75 million, less than $1 million from the overall goal of $9.5 million.