Thanks for the input everyone.

I've been looking at the location of bike dealers around where I'll be living and what they stock. There is a shop within 5 miles that sell many Treks, including the Valencia. Right now I'm leaning very far over on that particular bike. I'm ready to test drive many others however, but from where I'm at right now the disc breaks and curb/puncture proof tires seem ideal for campus. I'm going to keep researching online until I get home (less than a month left in desert!) and keep my options open. I look forward to filling you guys in when the time comes!