There is no doubt about it – the fall semester at Texas Wesleyan is off to a quick start. So, what’s the buzz this semester? Here are five things we hear campus talking about. Hear more? Email us at communications@txwes.edu.

1. Clearer air

We can all breathe easier while walking across the mall this year, thanks to a new campus-wide smoke-free policy initiated by the Student Government Association last spring. If you are ready to quit, stop by the University Health Center in the West Village for support.

2. A new restaurant

When life gives you lemons… make pizzas? Because of delays to the completion of Dora’s Dining Hall, students have a new dining option on the west side of campus - the West Express Eatery. It’s super convenient for hungry students after they wrap up class. Pizzas are made fresh to order with all the toppings, and in a taste test yesterday, the pizzas got five out of five stars from some of the university’s toughest critics. The Mexican Grill menu will debut next week and feature made-to-order burritos and tacos (we can’t wait).

3. Renovated residence halls

Both OC and Elizabeth Armstrong Halls went through major renovations this summer. Some of the biggest updates are those on the inside. New air handlers mean efficient cooling/heating, and new electric upgrades make plugging in all your must-have electronics safe and more convenient. The new lighting, vanity areas and showers are pretty awesome, too.

4. Construction underway on the clock tower

We know traffic on Rosedale can have its challenges, but next spring, students will see it was worth the wait. 2014 is the year we’ll get to witness the new entryway and clock tower going up, brick-by-brick. When the project is complete, it will be one of the most spectacular places on campus. Take photos – this is something you will probably be telling your kids (and grandkids) about.

5. Roommate happiness technology

Rams living on campus are among the first college students in the country to use a new roommate technology called Roompact to help defuse roommate conflict. Text messages to your phone will allow you to rate your level of satisfaction with your roommate. The technology is designed to open communication channels and alert your RA of potential issues in a non-threatening way.