The John Minahan Science Hall (JMS) is undoubtedly aging, but the possibility of a long sought after update, has the faculty hopeful that the project will soon takeoff.
Hanging on the walls of JMS is a board complete with the college's objectives for the update.
Their specific aim is to improve the efficiency of ongoing projects. The new facility will allow faculty to keep their research and undergraduate work on campus as opposed to the dependency of "external facilities."
A slide show with 3D images helps students picture the facade of the building after the remodeling, which will match the rest of campus with large glass windows and fiery brick.
Michael Olson, assistant professor of physics, says the project has been underway for over ten years and has moved through a variety of steps. Right now, it is in the "design development" phase
Before actual work can be formalized, the renovation has to be approved by the Board of Trustees, which should hopefully happen sometime in February.
The update itself is not just a redesign – the college is trying to prepare for future students' needs as well as the present.
"For example," Olson explained, "We want to create common spaces that could be used for small classroom sessions, and then be transformed into a lab room with little difficulty."
Having more rooms is not necessarily better. If a physics lab can double as a computer lab, then the room is multipurpose, which will cut costs and be effective for students.
What will be updated in the new facility?
"Literally everything," said Olson.
From computers to lab equipment to common study spaces, everything will be changed.
The college recognizes the need for change – understandably, because science studies need to be technologically up-to-date.
The second aim of the renovation is to enable faculty to expand the scope of their research. They are trying to "enhance research training" by enabling faculty and students to "further research agendas."
Though the building will be in a bit of a mess as the renovation takes place, faculty knows it will be worth it long term.
Aim three is to expand and foster collaborative research. This brings the focus back to aim one – keeping students and research on campus.
"The renovation and expansion of the JMS facility will promote research training at St. Norbert," said Olson
SNC prides itself on collaborative research opportunities, which it hopes to enhance by updating JMS.
Olson said the faculty is "totally excited." They know it will benefit students, as well as SNC.
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