Housing Project Named Black Oak Hall, Kwíila Dining
Cal State San Marcos’ new University Village Housing and Dining Project, which is expected to be ready in time for the fall 2026 semester, has been formally named Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining.
The names were determined following thoughtful input from a campus naming committee and student representatives. Kwíila is the Luiseño word for “acorn” and was chosen to honor the local tribal heritage and the land on which CSUSM resides.
The naming committee included Travis Douglas, executive director of Housing & Residential Education; Deanne Ellison, executive director/associate vice president of business development for CSUSM Corporation; Mejaumi Franco-Rosales, tribal liaison; Elaine Pollard, president of Associated Students, Inc.; Kaira Schafer, student building assistant for CSUSM Corporation; Jason Schreiber, dean of students; and Rayanne Weber, director of Planning, Design and Construction. The committee also consulted with Noah Lozano on proper Luiseño pronunciation and spelling.
The committee sought names that reflected CSUSM’s natural surroundings, honored its history and, if appropriate, incorporated Luiseño language.
The committee consulted with ASI, the Residence Hall Council and the resident community to survey their top choices. After gathering input, the committee presented the top two naming choices to the President’s Administrative Team before Black Oak Hall and Kwíila Dining were selected.
Construction on the 2.5-acre site began in January 2024. The 137,000-square-foot project is being built on what was formerly Parking Lot O. It features a three-wing configuration to create gathering spaces and student life areas.
The seven-story residence hall – which includes a 10,000-square-foot dining facility – will have 555 beds, providing affordable housing for underserved, low-income students.
The project is being funded in part by $91 million received from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature.
Once completed, the project will expand access to affordable, on-campus housing while reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to student success.
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