* WHO :* West Virginia University Provost Jerry Lang, Vice President for Student Affairs Ken Gray, project manager John Sommers and other WVU officials; representatives from Sunnyside Up, Paradigm Architecture, American Campus Communities and TEDCO Construction Corp.

* WHAT :* Officials will mark the start of construction of WVU s new honors residence hall with remarks and a ceremonial groundbreaking at the building site.

* WHEN :* 12:30 p.m., Monday, March 3

* WHERE :* Grant Avenue and Second Street (adjacent to Summit Hall)

* PARKING :* Parking will be available for the media in Short-term Lot 5 off First Street and Grant Avenue. Please place press parking pass on dashboard. If a pass is needed, contact News and Information Services at 304-293-6997.

* BACKGROUND :* In December, WVU President Mike Garrison announced plans to build a $20 million residence hall that not only will give the University a new tool to recruit outstanding students, but also help revitalize the Sunnyside neighborhood. The 91,600-square-foot, 362-bed dorm will house WVU s Honors College. The facility is expected to be finished by the end of the 2008-09 school year.