New Water Fountains Lit in Pioneer Orange Are Among Campus Improvements The new water fountains in Gaede's Pond, as well as projects involving Morrison Hall, Raubinger Hall, Hobart Hall, and Shea Center are among capital improvements taking place on campus New water fountains in Gaede’s Pond adjacent to Hobart Hall, lit with Pioneer orange, are just one of the numerous facilities projects that have recently been completed or are underway on campus. “We are continually seeking to improve the campus and its facilities in order to provide an environment that is attractive to students while also enhancing teaching and learning,” says Stephen Bolyai, vice president for administration and finance. In addition to the completion of the Science Hall East renovation, the University is currently in the midst of a project involving Morrison Hall and Raubinger Hall that will result in the consolidation of enrollment management and student services in Morrison Hall and of student academic support services in Raubinger Hall. Central to the Morrison Hall project is the construction of a new lobby entrance for visitors on the building’s Pompton Road side to serve as a gateway for the undergraduate and graduate admissions offices. The building will also include a dedicated meeting room for admissions presentations to prospective students and parents. Other offices in addition to undergraduate and graduate admissions that will be located in the building upon completion in September 2012 include the Center for Student Support, Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, and the Office of Enrollment Management. As part of the project, several locations are being renovated in Raubinger Hall. The Honors College has moved to the first floor opposite the Provost’s Office to provide it with greater visibility for current and prospective students. Academic support services, including EOF, the Educational Enrichment Center, and Academic Support and Testing, will be housed in Raubinger. Planning for the 1,000-space parking garage, to be located behind Science Hall East, continues. “The University has been exploring a private partnership to assist with the construction and management of the garage,” says Bolyai. Two projects involving academic facilities are set to begin. Shea 101, which serves as a recital hall and instructional space for the music department, will be renovated. The project includes a complete redesign of the acoustics, as well as a new stage, seating, lighting, control booth and interior finishes. Shea 103, a rehearsal space for large ensembles, will also be renovated as a smart classroom with new soundproofing, lighting, and interior finishes. Also ready to move forward is an upgrade to the Hobart Hall television studios with new high definition equipment, which is the standard in the industry. “Our facilities need to match the high quality of the academic program, the caliber of our faculty, and the students they teach,” says Rick Stomber, associate vice president for capital planning and design. “The transformation of the TV studios is designed to give our students the highest possible educational experience.” Several preventive maintenance projects were recently completed or are in progress, including new roofs for 1600 Valley Road, Wightman Gym, Hobart Hall, Shea Center, the Cheng Library, and Hobart Manor. A new extra-wide sidewalk has been completed along the access road between the Ben Shahn and the Rec Center, providing a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for students. The University will soon begin the 500-kilowatt second phase of the campus solar panel project, which entails the installation of additional solar panels on the roofs of various campus buildings. # # #
