University of Colorado at Boulder Parent Guide
Construction Doesn’t Deter Prospective Students
Unpublished
Despite the inconvenience posed by the many construction projects currently in progress on campus, prospective CU students say they remain optimistic about the future benefits. “Old buildings have a nice feel to them, but it’s nice to know that CU is keeping its buildings modern and up-todate,” said high school senior Matthew Paley, a prospective CU student.
While current CU students have had to deal with the temporary interruptions and inconveniences of jackhammers, parking complications and pedestrian and transportation detours, prospective students say they would endure these complications in order to benefit from future improvements in academic, athletic and living facilities.
High school senior and prospective CU student Briannah Korin says although she would be bothered by the noise of construction taking place on campus, she would appreciate the new buildings after the projects were completed. Other students say noise wouldn’t keep them from choosing CU.
“I guess if it was going on in my building, (the noise) would bother me a little, and I might have to work around it,” said high school senior Jordan Gregro, a prospective CU student. “But it wouldn’t deter me from going to this school.” According to CU’s Facilities Management Web site, renovations in Norlin Commons, which began on Sept. 2008, are scheduled to be completed by this May. Some of benefits of the renovations include the creation of a common area that will be open all day, every day. With new locations to study independently or with a group, a writing center, a technical support center and a coffee and snack bar, this area is designed to allow students to study in comfort.
Megan Rose, communications coordinator for Facilities Management, says CU students can also look forward to less pedestrian and vehicular traffic congestion at the crosswalk on Regent Drive next semester. “On Regent, there’s going to be an underpass, which is called Regent Crossing,” Rose said. By elevating car traffic and dedicating a lower level to foot traffic, Rose says pedestrians and bikers will no longer have to look over their shoulders in fear of being hit by cars. Construction for this project will begin the day after May graduation and will continue until completion in August, Rose says.
Next November, students will also be able to take advantage of the Visual Arts Complex, with the Department of Art and Art History classes taking place in the new building beginning in spring 2010.
The creation of the Center for Community, which will house a variety of student programs, services, dining facilities and parking space, is scheduled to be completed by September 2010, Rose said. Future students will also be able to take advantage of new athletic and living facilities in 2011.
“They’re also going to have a basketball (and volleyball) practice facility added at the Coors Event Center,” Rose said.
In addition, renovations have and will continue to take place over the next few years in Andrews Hall, Smith Hall and Williams Village. These construction projects will allow for more students to live in these dorms as well as provide further improvement of residential academic programs.
By CU Independent Staff
Writer Mindy Rappoport.
http://www.cuindependent.com/
