Quad Confusion
Students may be forced to walk a long way, for a long time
Jesse Davis
Issue date: 3/1/10 Section: News
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The renovations to the Quad is making getting to class a lot harder for students.
Q: How long will the quad renovations take?
Rhoden: Approximately By contract the project will last approximately 8 months although I am hopeful it will be shorter however this project will be greatly affected by the weather so the contractor may need every bit of the time the contract allows.
Q: Will the students be completely blocked off during this time?
Rhoden: Yes, for their safety ; students, faculty, staff and visitors will be kept out of the construction zone. At the moment the contractor is somewhat focused on the east side of the quad but very soon they will be covering the entire site performing various functions specified in the project. I cannot promise but possibly after various zones are completed some of the routes can be reopened however this will have to be discussed in detail to consider any potential liabilities they may exist.
Q: What will the students be waiting for?
Rhoden: What all does this renovation involve? This project will improve the drainage by adding catch basins, raising the elevation of the walks, rearranging and enhancing some of the lighting, adding lots of seating and trash receptacles, improving the surface of the walks and adding ramps for improved accessibility . Another feature is a small elevated stage area will be constructed on the SE quadrant for public speaking and outdoor performances. Beyond the "hardscape" improvements just mentioned there will also be improvements in the landscaping .
Q: Is there any commuting route that can be made to help ease the walking distance for students? Is there one that is being thought of?
Rhoden: The simplest way to describe the alternate routes will be to go either to the east around the quad and through Farrar and the Memorial Gymnasium or west around the quad and through Kaufman Hall . We will be placing additional signs out with maps on them that show what I verbally describe , pictorially.
Q: CDC is the behind the renovations, Is there any other projects that you have liberty to discuss?
Rhoden: Another project approved is the signage project which we are finalizing plans for replacing as much of the signage campus-wide as possible. The CDC has previous phases of the signage project has added building signage and the street identification signage. This phase will change out parking signage and various other street and traffic signage across campus to make it more consistent campus wide.
Another project is a conceptual plan for improvements to be someday made to the Contraband Bayou that passes through the campus. The bayou can be made into an asset and actually an attraction to the campus community as well as the outside community rather than an eyesore however this will take a great deal of funding.
Q: Where does the money for these renovations come from?
Rhoden: Students pay a $15 fee per semester.
Q: Can students at large do anything to help with this project? Can they become involved in future projects?
Rhoden: This project is pretty much set for the actual work to be completed but students should stay involved by getting in touch with the student representatives on the committee to express there ideas on how they think these funds should be used to enhance the campus. This fee was originally set up primarily for campus beautification however it is definitely not restricted to that purpose. I will setting up a meeting soon to discuss other possible projects that have been suggested but since they have not been discussed with or approved by the full committee it would be inappropriate to mention them at this time.
Q: I do not know if you remember or not, but nearly a year ago I interviewed you regarding these renovations. Is there still going to be a centerpiece for these renovations at the center of the quad?
Rhoden: The centerpiece will have to be a future appropriation but there is the idea of placing a granite or marble obelisk possible with a clock and/or a water feature. For now, there will be a large planter area in that spot.
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