Campus Under Construction

O'Donnell Hall improvements continue

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Words Lacey Berdela

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New Mexico State University construction has left education students abandoned as O’Donnell Hall is being renovated. 

When the education building was first set to be renovated the plan consisted of keeping some sections open while working on others.  After a reevaluation of the plans, architects decided to close the entire building down for 18-24 months, leaving thousands of students and staff scattered throughout campus. 

Jamie Montano, a senior studying Early Education at NMSU, feels the renovation has left her and many other students high and dry.

“My classes are all over campus,” explains Montano, “I even have classes that are off campus, so I am always late driving back and forth.”

With so little room available some classes are only offered off of campus which is an inconvenience for most.   Other offices and classes have been spread out through campus, put in the libraries, and been placed in abandoned dorms.

Jeannette Montoya, a School Physiology Graduate Student, feels that the renovation only adds stress to her already busy schedule.  “I find myself confused because there’s no structure, there not even classrooms!” vents Montoya.

Faculty and staff that had offices in O’Donnell are now located in Regents Row, an old dorm complex, which makes it difficult for students to speak to their professors.  

Montoya is not the only student who feels the renovation is unfair. 

“I am paying tuition and they cannot even offer my classes on campus,” explains Candis Thacker, another senior in the Early Education program.  

Thacker has been in the Education Program for three years and misses having her classes in one building. 

“It’s nice having all your classes together,” explains Thacker.  “I love having that classroom experience.”

When O’Donnell Hall has finished its complete renovation it will contain a three story portion along with more insulation and windows. 

With no one in the building construction workers are hoping to finish the project in a quicker time frame as well as save money.  Still, that is no consolation to those students who are struggling to get an education amidst all the chaos.

“It’s really hard to stay focused on my studies when I’m not even in a classroom, I just hope that the new building will be worth all this confusion, time, and money,” said Montano.

 

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11/05/2006