The new home of the Scripps College of Communication might keep its doors shut even longer than planned, says an Ohio University dean.
The Schoonover Center for Communication, originally expected to open mid-way through the 2012-13 school year, might be delayed as much as six months thanks to potential cuts in state funding, said Greg Shepherd, dean of the Scripps College. Delays might mean the center does not open until Fall 2013.
There hasn't been a capital bill yet this year
but we can probably expect a capital bill this upcoming year Shepherd said. It might delay the project for six months while we're waiting for state funding to come through.
The entire project, estimated to cost $32 million to $34 million, is relying on $25 million from state capital funds in addition to the $7.5 million gift from OU alumnus Steven L. Schoonover, his wife Barbara and contributions from other alumni, Shepherd said.
We'll probably know more when the governor releases his budget in March Shepherd said.
The center will be home for all five schools in the Scripps College, which includes more than 2,500 students.
I'm a little disappointed; I was definitely looking forward to (the center)
said Matthew Beddingfield, Student Senate's vice president and a senior in the Scripps College. I'm not thrilled by the fact that there will be a couple of delays
but I'm not necessarily surprised with a major project like this.
The center will feature a town hall-style configuration, with a coffee shop, auditoriums and offices for faculty.
When you walk into this place
you will know you are in the best college of communications in the nation
Shepherd said.
Some areas of the building will be open 24/7 and accessible only to Scripps students, Shepherd said.
A coffee shop will be added to the facility, which will be operated by Dining Services and serve coffee and a small menu. Shepherd said this was done so its operation would not impact Scripps financially or compete with Uptown businesses.
There's some reason to believe the shop will not be a great profit generator
Shepherd said. I don't want to have to go to students and say I can't offer these two classes because we didn't sell enough coffee.
Shawn Silvis, student senator for the Scripps College of Communication, said he thinks students will understand the delay.
It won't hurt that much
Silvis said, I think (students) will prefer to get the best center they can get. Plus
we really can't change it.
The center is being renovated from Old Baker Center, which has been vacant since the new Baker University Center opened in 2007.
Scripps Hall will still belong to the college, Shepherd said, adding that it will be renovated to house research centers, class space and rooms for student organizations. Sing Tao Center will also be retained as office space for Scripps faculty.
The Radio-Television building will also be renovated as part of the project, but the college will no longer use rooms in Seigfred and Lindley halls when the center opens.
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