A month has officially passed and the fall 2025 semester is well underway. Perhaps you’ve noticed some new developments around campus since returning from summer break. In case you missed them, here are five new things that are different this semester.
1. Demolition of Residence Halls
The University of Toledo became a few buildings sparser over the summer with the removal of Horton International House, Academic House and Sullivan Hall. Plans for these three buildings to be demolished had been scheduled as part of the university’s campus master plan, which aims to bring the campus to a new stage after redevelopment. Horton International House and Academic House were last used as residence halls for students, while Sullivan Hall was most recently used for academic offices. The area where these buildings once stood has since been turned into green space.
2. Renovations to Carlson Library
Step foot inside the Carlson Library, and you’ll instantly notice a transformation. The biggest attraction is a new glass-enclosed space and adjacent room where the Learning Enhancement Center, Writing Center, TRIO Student Support Services and Supplemental Instruction are now housed after being previously located in the library’s basement. Renovations this summer also brought upgrades to an event and conference space on the first floor that is expected to open for use in October, new furniture across the first three floors and a new classroom on the second floor.
3. New Food Options on Campus
In the Student Union where Tu Taco was previously located, now stands Copperhead Jack’s. Following the theme of its taco-making predecessor, Copperhead Jack’s serves burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salsa and guacamole.
Ciao Bella — previously Erbert & Gerbert’s — is the newest installment in Ottawa East. Have a craving for baked ziti or chicken alfredo? This is your new one-stop-shop for all things pasta.
4. Pedestrian Bridge over Douglas Road
Crossing from main campus to the engineering campus just got a whole lot easier — and safer — with the construction of the pedestrian bridge extending from Savage Arena over Douglas Road. Now, students have an alternate way to travel between campuses without having to cross the busy intersection at Douglas Road and East Rocket Drive. The bridge opened on Jul. 8, 2025 and cost $3.4 million to build.
5. President James Holloway
Perhaps the biggest change to campus involved its leadership. On Jul. 15, 2025, Dr. James Holloway was appointed as UToledo’s 19th president, replacing interim president Matt Schroder. Prior to his role at UToledo, Holloway was the provost and vice president of academic affairs at the University of New Mexico, where under his leadership student enrollment grew, more support was allocated to research and monetary donations to the university increased. Holloway has a background in nuclear engineering and is distinguished as professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, where he taught for 30 years.