A number of construction projects are planned for next spring following graduation in May.  Students, faculty and staff will need to adjust to closed building entrances, fenced off areas near the construction where the contractors store their materials, and the noise of construction.  The end result will be additional spaces for offices, activities, and growth of the University.  So, Pardon our Dust, we are growing again!

Student Success Center
Construction of the Student Success Center is scheduled to start next spring or early summer; however, the building location is on top of several major underground utility runs.  An early project to relocate those utility lines will start after the Thanksgiving Holiday.  The area south of the University Center will be closed for construction, though a temporary sidewalk from the east will provide access to the Food Court through the south entrance doors near Chik-Fil-A.  The work should be completed in February, but the timing is totally dependent upon winter weather.  Utility switch-overs will occur during Spring Break Week with final completion in early April.

Early Childhood Center Expansion
A new addition to the north end of the Early Childhood Center will almost double the size of the facility.  Several new classrooms will be added along with adjacent outdoor play areas.  The existing facility will be remodeled to provide proper offices, kitchen service facilities, and work rooms.  Construction will begin shortly after May, 2008 graduation.  The Center will keep parents informed of their temporary accommodations during the construction period.

Student Fitness Center Expansion
Another project in the Vadalabene Center is the expansion of the Student Fitness Center.  The Center will expand to the west from the current recreational basketball courts.  This expansion will take in a portion of the parking lot and will feature two additional basketball courts including a bleacher area, restrooms, a second floor work out area, and expansion of the office wing.  Construction on this project is also to start after May, 2008 graduation.

Landscaping Upgrades: 

A contract has been awarded to add stone landscaping retaining walls on the hillside adjacent to the Wishing Well.  A pair of parallel walls will extend north from the Wishing Well and end near the steps to the Clinic.  A separate single wall will extend south of the Wishing Well and terminate near the sidewalk.  This initial phase of the project will erect the walls and a landscaping plan will be developed to anchor the hillside with plantings.  The new lower level will be leveled with decorative gravel base, and “stepping stone” pads installed for tables and chairs with some walking pads connecting them.  This area is shady during the summer mid-day and will provide a pleasant outside space for students, faculty, and staff.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Facilities Management has been sending, revising and changing our publication, The ClipBoard, since its inception in 1996, and would like to hear from the ClipBoard’s readers.  What would make the ClipBoard better and more interesting?  What could FM present that they are not covering?  What would make the information more helpful?  Send your suggestions and comments to fmserv@siue.edu; FM will appreciate hearing from you!

GETTIN’ BETTER ALL THE TIME…
Four of FM’s Building Engineers, Greg Shewmake, Hugh Burris, Dennis Henderson and Chris Stajduhar, have completed qualification training put on by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and been awarded Certified Building Operator Level 1.  This certificate is awarded to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skill in energy efficient operations and maintenance of buildings and equipment.  Building Operator Certification (BOC) is recognized as a standard of professional competence in twenty states across the country.
WHAT A BRIGHT IDEA!
Facilities Management has received a grant award check for $64,000 for completing energy efficient lighting upgrades throughout campus.  The check was for work performed by FM electricians last summer to relamp the core campus with lower wattage T-8 lamps and replace dozens of light fixtures with more efficient ones.  A second grant involved replacement of the lamps in the traffic lights which were replaced with LED bulbs.  These bulbs use much less energy and are expected to last ten times longer than the old ones.