As the University of Minnesota's Lind Hall in Minneapolis approaches 100 years, the College of Science and Engineering is making plans for the building's future.
The $6 million renovation involves a full reworking of the school's layout, while also maintaining its historic integrity, according to Paul Strykowski, who is a professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean of undergraduate programs at the college.
He says the place needs to be more inviting to potential students and better serve undergraduates. "This is a way to say that they're incredibly important, by investing in resources to make the space nicer."
The building's new layout reflects changing thinking about how to prepare students for the workforce, he says.
For example, while students need solid math and science credentials, they should also develop their creative, artistic, and leadership abilities.
In the past, students took a bunch of classes and didn't start looking for jobs until they were seniors. "That compartmental way of thinking isn't helpful," he says. "It's more important to help students early on," while taking a more holistic approach.
Advising and career planning offices have been brought together to help
people they "find out 'what can I do with this, what kind of future
might I have,'" he says.
A welcome area will make it easy for prospective students and their families to explore careers and tour campus. "It's important to explain what everything means and to have it all in one place, that shows what we're trying to accomplish," he says.
Electronic signage and other kinds of technological tools that will be donated by 3M will inform students about exam times, scholarships, and meetings.
Additionally, the building will have spaces for student organizations, including shared conference rooms that facilitate collaboration.
In general, the building will be more open, with glass walls that let people see what's going on and "create community and energy around these [science and engineering] fields."
The school hopes to break ground early this summer and construction could take six to nine months, he says.
Source: Paul Strykowski, professor of mechanical engineering and associate dean of undergraduate programs
Writer: Anna Pratt