Renovate and Upgrade Classroom

August 2018

Overview

The University is committed to renovating and upgrading its inventory of over 120 Registrar-controlled classrooms and instructional science (wet) labs. The work of the Facilities Office is guided by the Provost's Classroom Advisory Committee (composed of faculty and staff from across the University). This committee, which meets regularly, helps assess the condition of these spaces and guides decisions on which classroom and lab spaces are prioritized for renovation. The committee, too, helps determine the layout of the spaces and selects the type of furniture and level of technology. Since the renovation work is time consuming - and since these classrooms and labs are used year-round - this work is phased over multiple years to ensure that the University has sufficient inventory available to support its classroom needs.

Flexibility

It is the intent of the University to renovate classrooms in the manner that best serves modern teaching and learning needs. All classroom renovation projects include presentation technology and internet access, as well as flexible furnishings, and expanded writing surfaces (whiteboards) based on faculty feedback to the Classroom Committee. Furnishings and equipment are selected with the goal of accommodating a variety of teaching methodologies, including team-based learning.

Summary of Recently Completed Work

Six classrooms (BI 152, CH 151, ED 120, LC 11 & 12, PH 116) have been renovated/refreshed and furnishings upgraded, including use of some new "Node" tablet arm chairs that allow the easy rearrangement of students into groups or rows as educational needs dictate
A new 25 station “Mac” computer classroom has been created (LC 13)
ED 120, HU 122 and ES 147 have been refreshed with new furniture and equipment
Science labs in Physics (119), Biology (145), and Chemistry (140, 145, 146) have been renovated/refreshed as part of an ongoing project to renovate laboratory classrooms
Science labs in Physics (119), Biology (145), and Chemistry (140, 145, 146) have been renovated/refreshed as part of an ongoing project to renovate laboratory classrooms
Campus-wide, classroom lighting has been upgraded as part of a conditions improvement and energy-saving lighting project

Additional classroom renovations include:

Phase 4 of the Classrooms Renovations project has kicked off with a budget of $1.6Mand 14,500SF of classrooms and class laboratories slated for work
Among other projects, Phase 4 will see the creation of two flexible (multipurpose) spaces (HU 38-41) that will support an environment where faculty can “test” innovative instructional approaches and technologies, record lectures for internet delivery or instructional purposes, and run interactive video-based trainings and workshops
The new Business School Building, with site-work and foundations underway will provide 28 new, flexible, and modern classrooms spaces for general University use
Selected upgrades are being undertaken in 11 classrooms to give them greater near term functionality before the Business Administration building undergoes a gut renovation

Class Lab Renovation Phase V:

The overall project includes refurbishing biology class lab BI-020 and prep space Bi 042, autoclave room BI 305, universal lab BI 355, physics lab BI 224, and chemistry lab BI 235. The work in each space includes, updated architectural finishes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and classroom technology.

Project Timeline:

Construction Start: Fall 2017
Construction Completion: August 2018

Project Progress as of August 2017:

AOW Associates, Inc. (Albany NY) was selected as the contractor for this project. The construction work is currently ongoing. BI 020, 021, 042, and PH 235 are currently substantially complete and in use. BI 305, 355, and CH 235 are under construction and expected to be complete by August 2018.