Various schools move to fourth floor
In the weeks since spring break, a few changes have been made regarding classroom locations. Science and art classes that were held in the Spiritual Life and Academic Building (SLAB) are now located on the fourth floor of DeMoss because of ongoing construction around campus. The Helms School of Government and Visual Communication Arts gallery are also located on the fourth floor now, bringing new changes for students and staff alike.
Arts — The Visual Communications Arts Department is one of many that moved to the fourth floor. Photo credit: Amy Marquez
Following the signs on various halls of the newly furnished fourth floor leads to the new Helms School of Government (HSOG). Dean of HSOG Stephen Parke is pleased with the relocation.
“The new location is close to students and close to classrooms,” Parke said. “The move was seamless overall.”
The moving process took place the week before spring break and was completed by the time students came back from classes, according to Charles Spence, director of planning and construction.
The SLAB building is currently in the process of being demolished entirely, signaling a new phase of university development. In the next few years, the Jerry Falwell Library and a lawn for students to relax on and enjoy will go in its place.
The new C. Daniel Kim International Student Center, located on the second floor of DeMoss near the grand foyer, is in a new central location. International and graduate student Carrie An is planning to go to the center more often thanks to its proximity within DeMoss.
“It’s in a very convenient location,” An said. “Even though it’s a little smaller than the one before, it’s still convenient to hang out with other international students.”
Chemistry professor Nancy Richardson is just one of the many professors who had to pack up their classroom to the fourth floor. Richardson says so far, she enjoys the new location and is looking forward to what all the current construction holds for the future.
“I’m looking forward to all the new facilities and the overall impression,” Richardson said.
Although students may notice a bit more distractions from construction crews hard at work around campus, Spence reassures that all the detours and excessive noise are for a good cause. In the end, it will be “seamless to the education process as much as possible.”
“We’re making sure the school has everything they need to educate the students and, in the end, it’s what we know we’re all here for—to educate champions for Christ,” Spence said.