The College of Liberal Arts is in the process of planning the construction a building that will accomodate its 26 departments. The five-story building will house new classrooms, computer-lab space and faculty offices sometime in the future.
The tentative location is currently occupied by buildings LA-2, LA-3, LA-4, FO-1 and FO-2, which will be demolished in order to start the renovation.
Dr. Richard Outwater, director of facilities and technology planning, is managing the project.
Outwater's goal is to work on the realistic needs for the college and present a well-organized plan to the Chancellor's Office to request state funds.
Campus officials have approved a five-year master plan for the project, expected to begin in 2002 and take roughly one to two years for completion.
Outwater is excited about the progress the project has made.
"Now we're on the master calendar and one step closer to reality," Outwater said. "It's gone a little passed the talking stage."
The building is estimated to cost a total of $150 million, which Charmack said is not much after the costs are split about 22 different ways. A single building can cost $15 million, without taking in other factors, he said.
The College of Liberal Arts is also looking into allocating funds from private sources, corporations and individuals. The method used for collecting funds can lead to the possible naming of the building.
One potential problem that is being researched is where existing classes, faculty offices and program offices will be relocated during the time of construction.
The details have not been fully worked out. By the end of the year, Outwater said, he hopes light will be shed on how the project will effect students.
The Educational Opportunity Program Admissions office is one of the offices located in LA-3. Corrine Pilkington, EOP admissions supervisor says she would sacrifice a couple of years elsewhere to return to a new building.
The Liberal Arts buildings