in the nation. It is part of the department-based TIPA, headquartered in the Journalism Building. Its circulation is approximately 1,000. The weekly publication was ranked as the number-one album reviewer in Texas at the TIPA Press Convention in April 2014, 2015, and 2016. Newscenter 3 is a weekly news broadcast produced by the students of radio and television. Housing and dining services A&M-Commerce offers housing to students year round with prices ranging from around $2000 to $3000 for each full semester. Every residence hall and campus apartment is coeducational with the exception of F-Halls, which are the women and sorority housing on campus. In an effort to increase the university's student-retention rate, traditional freshmen sign a contract to stay on campus for a minimum of two years or four semesters. Sodexo serves as the student dining vendor for students, with meal plans and at athletic events and a number of catered events on campus throughout the year. The university recently made shuttle services available to students on campus, augment student mobility on campus and points nearby. Residence halls restricted to traditional freshmen: Pride Rock Whitley Residence halls restricted to upperclassmen and nontraditional freshmen: Berry Phase II Smith Phase III Campus apartments restricted to upperclassmen and nontraditional freshmen: New Pride West Halls (Bledsoe, Craddock, Fling, Neu, Webster, and Wray) Other university-operated residences: F-Halls (restricted to women and sorority housing) Prairie Crossing (restricted to Honors College students) Samuel H. Whitley Hall The most visible landmark of the university is Samuel H. Whitley Hall, a 12-story (146-foot-tall) building named after former University President Dr. Samuel Whitley (1924–1946). Whitley Hall serves as a dormitory for traditional freshmen on campus. Athletics Texas A&M–Commerce (TAMUC) athletic teams are the Lions. The university is a member of the Division I level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Southland Conference. Previously, the Lions participated in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) from 1931–32 academic year until the 2021–22 season. Texas A&M–Commerce competes in 12 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball, cross country, football, golf and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. Accomplishments Texas A&M-Commerce has won two national football championships; 2017 NCAA Division II Championship and 1972 NAIA Championship. They also won the national championship as members of the NAIA in men's basketball during the 1954–55 season, men's team golf in