On one level, campus reconstruction-the demolition of Van Hise, the reconstruction of Ogg and the development of Lakeshore-is positive. Van Hise is so dangerous it is cheaper to demolish than refurbish. Ogg is a reputably filthy tower riddled with tiny, garret-like rooms. Lakeshore needs some new pizzazz. In short, new buildings will make this campus both more attractive and safer.
Campus reconstruction, however, also raises some thorny issues: It is strange that Van Hise, which has only stood for 37 years, is already decrepit. Clearly, the university needs to make sure any buildings have a longer structural lifespan.
Of different concern is the fact that the funds used to update our facilities often come from private donors. Private donors can skew priorities by showering money upon certain departments while other departments skimp along with horrible facilities such as Van Hise's language labs. Even forgetting the ethical issue of private money determining academic direction at a public institution, this university needs to somehow build better facilities while ensuring that students' interests are top priority. While most of us will have graduated and moved into the 'real world' by the time Van Hise has been replaced by Spanish steps and Eagle Heights has a nearby student union, we should still hope the university properly addresses the issues of private funds, longer-lasting buildings and students as priorities.
