Lopata Hall Renovations
Engineering students do not need to look too far for inspiration to start the school year. Over the summer, construction projects made dynamic improvements to create the Engineering Student Services office in Lopata Hall.
The project was initiated by the merging of admissions, registrar, and advising into one Engineering Student Services department. By entrance through the Sever Archway, Lopata Hall is more welcoming to both prospective and current students. Visitors will also notice changes to the second floor, which will allow the Sever Institute of Continuing Studies offices to also have a more welcoming and professional look.
"You only get one chance to make a first impression and this is our front door," says Assistant Dean for Facilities Planning and Management Mike Altepeter. "We wanted to clear both the clutter and visual distractions from our front entry. It's a bright, inspiring, easy to navigate place to better serve our students."
A new information room is designated for communications and will house student Pendaflex folders, student organization bulletin boards, and two computer terminals.
"We wanted to open up the building and make activities more visible to visitors so the spaces weren't such a puzzle," adds Altepeter. "The new glass walls put students on a direct path where they need to be. Nothing is buried in a dark corner."
There is more to the new layout than increased lighting and glass walls. Digital signage will enhance daily communication to students by displaying welcome messages for guests, school events, deadlines, and general announcements.
Staff will move into new the new space in September. And more improvements to Lopata Hall are in the planning stages. Next summer's construction projects will likely include a renovation of Lopata Gallery.
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