The Center of Student Life
The two buildings under renovation include the former Library building (now referred to as University Center South) and the University Center building. These buildings are connected by a corridor on the ground floor. Built in the 1970s, the two buildings have never been renovated.
Both University Center buildings are used heavily. Special events and meetings are held almost daily and the buildings are the permanent home of almost all IU Southeast administrative and student offices.
The massive reconstruction project now underway was funded by a $21 million bond issue that was approved by the Indiana State Legislature in 2003. Part of the $21 million was used for IU Southeast's new Library which was opened in 2005.
The highest priority of the renovation project is to improve and expand space for students. The new Student Involvement Center, for example, will become the hub for student activities on campus. Organizations such as student government, sororities, fraternities, the Horizon (student newspaper), and various clubs will enjoy new office space and a large area for meeting and relaxing.
Food services and choices will also be expanded. Further, the entire dining area will nearly double with the addition of a new wing that expands outward toward the lake.
Another primary focus of the renovation is the centralization of student services. The departments that are most-often visited by students—Admissions, Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar, and Career Services—will all share a common area.
The entire project is expected to be completed by summer, 2008.
|