Renovation of Monroe Hall is undergoing planning and beginning construction will cause dramatic effects.

This semester is the planning process, which will conclude during Thanksgiving break.

Construction will begin on Jan. 1, 2012 and will cause disruption, however a “good positive outcome,” said Ed Kvet, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

Chemistry professor, Kurt Birdwhistell, is not looking forward to the upcoming renovation for Monroe Hall.

“It’s a little scary,” Birdwhistell said.

He is not pleased with having to teach in dusty and noisy conditions. However, Birdwhistell believes Monroe Hall definitely needs renovation.

Chemistry professor, Joelle Underwood, spends most and all most all of her time in Monroe Hall. Underwood said that the renovation serves several purposes.

It’s a safety issue and the research space for students is not in good condition.

Whenever it rains, students have to stop their work due to pipes leaking in the research lab on the second floor.

Kelsey Finnegan, chemistry freshman, definitely feels like there is a need for renovation. Finnegan said that the chemistry area is too small and needs more space to do lab work.

Campus schedules will change. Classes held in Monroe Hall would either have to be in early mornings or in the evenings.

Faculty and staff whose offices are in Monroe Hall would have to share office space. Underwood said, “It can’t happen on a regular basis.” Professors need private space to answer student questions.

Underwood doesn’t mind the schedule changing. “As long as I have a functional space to work in, I don’t care,” Underwood said. Nonetheless, Underwood said, “It’s going to be worth it.”

Birdwhistell said about 50 percent of classes are held in Monroe Hall. Monroe Hall houses political science, sociology, psychology, mathematics, biological sciences, physics and chemistry classes.

The new Monroe Hall of 2012 will be the new home of the visual arts and theatre departments also.

Robyn Matthewa can be reached at [email protected]