Campus remodeling plan aims to improve student experience

LINCOLN – The Lincoln campus has begun planning a remodeling project that will transform a large portion of the building into a more student-friendly space.

The remodeling is still in its planning stage, and Theresa Webster, the Dean of Students and Assistant Lincoln Campus Director says that they have “just started the planning process two months ago.”

The remodeling will include the following areas: the library, tutoring center, student center, admissions, financial aid, student success, career services, mental health counseling, academic advising, testing center and adult basic education.

Additions to the school will include an advising center for academics, careers and mental health; a larger tutoring center; and a second level of the library.

There is more planning that needs to be done before construction begins, and nothing is finalized at this point.

“We are still in planning stage and this is by no means the final plan,” says Bev Cummins, Vice President Student Affairs and Lincoln Campus Director.

“Any plan we do come up with will have to be approved by both the Board of Governors and the State Coordinating Commission,” Cummins explained.

If things go as planned, construction will begin in about a year.

As for the reasoning behind why the school is undergoing this remodeling, much of it has to do with students needs.

Webster says the college is focused on making the building “conducive for student learning.”

This will include more spaces for students to quietly and privately study.

Another priority the planners have is to make navigating the school easier and “allow opportunity to get students where they need to be the first time,” says Webster. “We want it to make sense to students.”

Adding a clear front entrance to the school will also provide easier access and improve safety.

Webster explained that any areas of the building need updating, and she pointed out that the Student Center and library haven’t been remodeled since they were first built in the early 1980’s.

Since this construction involves a lot of people and services, organizers will need to figure out where to move staff and students around during construction.

“There are a whole lot of moving parts and pieces,” says Webster.

Meetings with the designers and architects about the remodeling plans will occur every other week until construction begins, and there will be meetings to allow for student input.

“We are seeking student feedback along the entire process,” explained Webster.

Webster encourages graduated students to come back to visit once the remodeling is completed.

“In two years, it will look like a totally different campus,” she said.