There are many construction projects scheduled for the future which will alter the face of the University.Dr. John Lajaunie, director of facility planning, spoke of the plan to broaden the parking lot between Gouaux Hall and the softball field.

“We want to come in and expand it and wrap it so that we get a lot better capacity,” he said.

“Whenever you come in and you take a project like that where there was no real rhyme or reason to the parking scheme, and you define very clearly with the headstones, you generally increase your capacity in a fairly significant manner.”

Lajaunie also spoke of the plans to expand East Elkins Hall, which houses the Student Employment and Financial Aid Department.

“It’s at the point of reviewing the last set of documents before we would put it out to bid,” Lajaunie said.

The northern wing of the building would be extended.

Prior to the start of this semester, glass shields were placed over the counters of the financial aid offices. The glass has caused communication problems for students and employees.

“Even with the voice boxes, I am told there is some difficulty,” Lajaunie said.

“I think once the new addition is put in that will be rectified.”

Lajaunie also spoke of changes to the residence halls.

“We’ve been talking at length about renovating dorms and possibly bringing private housing on campus and that’s what we’re gearing towards,” he said.

Lajaunie said Meade Hall, with its leaking walls, is a nuisance.

“We have requested permission to tear down Meade Hall, which is currently not occupied as a dormitory,” he said.

“We really can’t maintain it.”

The days may be numbered for Long Hall, according to Lajaunie.

“The long term plans for Long Hall would probably be to take it down eventually once we have appropriate levels of additional housing,” Lajaunie said.

“It’s expensive to maintain. It’s an aging building.”

Lajaunie cited cost-benefit factors.

“The function has changed so dramatically that how well you can reuse it comes into question. You spend more money renovating than it costs you to tear it down and build it new. Cost-benefit-wise, that’s not really pretty.”