Renovations are underway on several classrooms across campus, and many are slated to begin soon.

The renovations are part of a $2 million project conducted through the College of Arts and Sciences in order to improve many classrooms across OU.

Paul Bell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chairman of the classroom renovation task force, said the renovations began in spring of 2005 and are currently underway this summer.

Dale Hall room 116 was the first classroom to be renovated, and it is being used as the prototype for other classrooms. This summer, eight classrooms in Kaufman Hall are scheduled to be upgraded.

Bell said all the classrooms scheduled for renovation will receive new state-of-the-art equipment, including new overhead projectors, a DVD/VHS player and a connection for teachers to hook up a laptop computer. Students will be able to view the new machines from a ceiling-mounted projector. Lighting in these classrooms will also be greatly improved, Bell said. Professors will be able to control classroom lights in different settings.

Another goal of the renovation project is to improve seating. Bell said one of the biggest complaints from students is the lack of personal space in classrooms.

"Seating is one of our biggest priorities," Bell said. "We are going to improve the seating by adding tables with moveable chairs. We are also planning on adding desks with larger surface areas so students can bring laptop computers and have more space to do their work."

Bell said in addition to larger surface areas, more power outlets will be added for students with laptop computers as well Internet access. In the future, he said they hope to add wireless Internet access for the students.

Carson Hall and Felgar Hall are scheduled to be updated during phase one of the project. DeJuan Frank, chemical engineering senior, said the classrooms in those buildings need work.

"Those classrooms are really outdated and in need of some upgrades," Frank said. "I'm glad to hear that they are going to be adding new desks with room for our laptops. A laptop computer for engineering students is almost a necessity. I'm glad I won't have to hold it on my knees anymore."

Robert Shackelford, broadcast and electronic media senior, said the Dale Hall changes are overdue.

"I'm in a class right now this summer and all of us are crammed in like sardines," Shackelford said. "It'll be nice to get some space."

Bell said better accommodations for handicapped students will also be made.

"The way things are right now, student with disabilities are stuck next to the door," Bell said. "With the new renovations those students should be able to get a better seat in the classrooms."

Bell said the renovations will continue through the summer and into the fall and spring semesters. He said the goal is to have the campus upgraded with new technology in the next five to 10 years.
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