August 27, 2019

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Tuesday, August 27, 2019

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Dreiser Hall renovations coming next year Brea Haller Reporter

Dreiser Hall, the last historical building on campus yet to be updated, is in the process of going through a 16.4-million-dollar renovation. The improvements have been going on over the years as some student media rooms, bathrooms and other smaller projects have been updated. Dreiser Hall has not seen a total renovation of the building like most of the other buildings on campus. Some portions of the hall have never been updated to this date. “Dreiser is such an important building, so many students take classes in there each semester. It gets a lot of use and it’s going to be a much better student experience after these renovations are done,” said the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Christopher Olsen. The hall is receiving a complete renovation both mechanically and electrically. All of the teaching spaces are going to be updated, including the student media rooms. The theater is also going to be updated.With some of the rooms so out of date, the renovation will be a welcome change. Teaching is constantly changing over the years and it’s important that these buildings keep up with those changes. The building is also going to become more ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, friend-

ly. The bathrooms, elevators, entrances and exits are all going to become more accessible to those with disabilities. The ADA bathroom was becoming difficult to access and that is another very important change coming to Dreiser. “I remember it always being so hot in Dreiser. It was probably the hottest classroom I had been in that semester,” said ISU Senior, Shelbie Hill. The climate control will also no longer be a problem in the near future of Dreiser Hall. An HVAC, or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit will also be put into place. This will help to control the climate of Dreiser and make it a more comfortable building to be in. All of electrical and mechanical renovations are going to play a role into the comfort of Dreiser Hall. “I’m very excited to hear about the new changes of Dreiser, I know this will help to make the building a more enjoyable experience for students,” said Hill. All these updates coming to Dreiser will take a considerable amount of time and funding. The small updates to Dreiser have been taking place for a few years, but these current renovation plans are going to be taking place and hopefully will be finished within the next sixteen months. The cost of these changes is estimated to be around $16.4 million dollars. “When it’s done, we hope Dreiser Hall will be a much better experience for learning and for the students and staff. That’s what is most important,” said Olsen.

Danielle Guy | Indiana Statesman

Student Rec Center to add bouldering wall Payton Jarrett Reporter

The Student Recreation Center adds a new bouldering wall and operates on a new set of hours. Recent funding has granted the Student Recreation Center (SRC) to support the construction of a new bouldering wall on the first floor. Campus Recreation Director, John Lentz, explains the plan for the new wall and also addresses why the hours are changing. Currently in its early stages of development, the bouldering wall awaits construction specifications including selection of a contractor and approval of the university’s policies, procedures and risk management. “It is hoped that the wall could be available for operation with the start of the spring semester, however, that

is all conjecture at this point,” says Lentz. The height of the wall will be a lower dimension, unlike a typical climbing wall. It will also not require a belayer, any ropes or supervisory staffing. The bouldering wall will replace the table tennis tables, which will be relocated to the former juice bar area, now called the Rick H. Spear Gathering Place. The SRC staff looks forward to a great year as they enter their 10th year of operation. Since its grand opening July 10, 2009, members of the SRC has witnessed many significant changes throughout the years. The most recent additions include new fitness flooring, new paint for the fitness center, the reorganization of equipment and the replacement of the bench and flooring in the sauna. “We feel that by adding a bouldering wall we will be giving the students even more incentive to look towards the Student Recreation Center for life enhancement op-

portunities” says Lentz. The SRC plans to celebrate their anniversary during Welcome Week in January and encourage students to remain updated for more details to follow. Moreover, an expected drop in enrollment has forced Campus Recreation to reallocate a significant amount of budget back to the university. As a result, the SRC has had to reduce their student employment, their largest source of expenses. This in turn will directly impact the operational hours of the facility. Lentz reassures, “We were strategic in reducing hours where it has the lightest impact upon our students.” Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are welcome to the Student Recreation Center on Sunday from 1 pm-10 pm, Monday through Thursday 6 am-11 pm, Friday 6 am-9 pm and Saturday 8 am-5 pm. Break and holiday scheduling will be altered slightly as well.

Sycamore Karaoke Party Sycamores gathered on Saturday in the HMSU DEDEs for a karaoke party Tiarra Taylor | Indiana Statesman


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August 27, 2019 by Indiana Statesman - Issuu