Relocation of classes, departments already underway
BY: STEPHEN BUECHTER
Staff Writer
The Communications North (CN) building will be shut down for asbestos abatement starting spring break, pending board approval. The project was submitted by the Campus Improvement Committee to Chancellor Jeff Pittman alongside STLCC’s other campuses, each making their own case for receiving campus improvement monies. Meramec’s project was selected to
receive funding.
Sam Guth, Meramec Facilities Manager, said that most of Meramec’s buildings have asbestos sprayed on the ceiling, but it poses no danger because it’s encapsulated within paint. According to Guth, the problem with CN started with water damage last semester.
“That’s how it all started big time. A few roof leaks caused that material to delaminate. The health hazard and exposure hazard of it was very small because it’s still in that paint. It’s just that you can’t have it laying on the floor or sweep it up, you have to hire people to clean that up professionally,” said Guth.
Provost Carol Lupardus said that despite multiple air testings with safe results, the project was suggested in large part to improve student and
staff experience.
“I don’t know how many more times we can have the hazard tape up and the classroom signs up,” said Lupardus.
With the building closed, all classes and other facilities within CN will be relocated to other buildings, including the Assessment Center and the campus IT department. Lupardus said the online interactive class schedule has already been altered to reflect classroom changes, and that the exterior doors of the CN building also list all
class changes.
“The largest aggravation really will be [the first week] when you figure out exactly where you’re going,” said Lupardus. “Even though it’s a logistical nightmare, I really applaud the work of so many individuals that have gone to move all the classrooms out.”
Susan Hunt-Bradford, chair of the communications department, said that the key for dealing with the movement of classes will be “flexibility”.
“We need this building updated. So it may be a little inconvenient now but it certainly is going to be worth it in the end,” said Hunt-Bradford.
Hunt-Bradford said staff have been “very positive” about the experience and that the deans have put an effort into ensuring a smooth transition. Guth called the decision to move classrooms a good one but “contentious” due to the ongoing layoffs.
According to Hunt-Bradford, some classes have elected to remain in CN until spring break. The Assessment Office, as well as the Math and English departments, have already moved. Communications has chosen to stay until spring break.
Lupardus said that no remodeling will take place, only renovation. She also said she was “surprised” that the district was able to provide funding for the project. Lupardus believes board approval is likely and said that preparations are already underway for the renovations.
“Our infrastructure is still very usable,” said Guth. “We’ve just got to make sure to invest some money into it.”
