On May 18, RWC Dean Dolores Straker conducted a forum on campus capital projects and future college growth projections, as the campus remains one of the most overutilized campuses in Ohio. The Dean explained that by 2010 RWC is projected to have 490 faculty and staff, and a total of 8,362 students, up from the present student count of approximately 4,500. Thus, the College has requested a new 80,000 square foot building and renovations to both Muntz Hall and the Flory Center to gain needed space. The requested plan will cost a projected $18 million, $15 million of which will need to come from the Ohio Board of Regents, the Dean said.
The campus will be working with architect Beth McGrew, who will be meeting with RWC administrative staff and other campus representatives to review scenarios and to determine the type of space and project priorities in addition to presenting budget and making recommendations.
RWC will also start a Capital Projects Committee, which will include the chairs of the Faculty Executive, Buildings and Grounds, and Academic Priorities committees, plus a Staff Council representative, a Student Government representative and the College Registrar, Debbie Smith.
This committee will be meeting with the architect when appropriate and will also share constituent design requests and concerns with the Dean and the architect. The committee will become effective as of fall of 2006.
The expected renovations include the Flory Center, which is being financed with OBR funding and will include two large classrooms with seating of 40 each. This will also include one conference room with seating for 20, in addition to a 10 station Vue testing center. The renovated Flory center will also include 12 offices for the PDI staff and the facilities will be open for use by all of RWC subject to scheduling availability.
With the expected renovation of Muntz Hall, there will be portable buildings that are arriving to replace rooms 306, 307, 308 and 309, which will be undergoing renovations from June 12 to August 31. These portable buildings will provide six class rooms and will include Internet services and projection screens. The renovations needed for the Flory Center and Muntz Hall alone will cost about $600,000.
The Dean has also asked the Buildings and Grounds Committee to begin considering expanding parking facilities and how to pay for it, as the College continues to grow and prepare for an increased population.