The University of Memphis is definitely a work in progress.
There is always construction going on to update or improve the campus, and the spring 2006 semester won't be any different.
There are a number of different projects that will be finished or started this semester.
"It's hopping," said James Hellums, assistant vice president for the physical plant. "Bear with us because there is a lot of construction."
The drainage projects on Veterans and Zach Curlin are approximately 90 percent complete, according to Pam Cash, coordinator of facilities projects at the physical plant.
The fume hood projects in the life sciences, physics and engineering buildings are also 90 percent complete.
"They are just waiting for the state to give them the OK for use," Cash said.
An extensive roof repair project will be going on will involve 15 different buildings on campus. They will all be on different time schedules throughout the year, but most of the classroom buildings will be repaired during breaks or the summer, Cash said.
Phases one and two of the Richardson Towers fire safety project is completed, and the other phases will be completed during the summer. There will also be some work on the common areas in Richardson, but it has to be approved by residence life before work can begin, Cash said.
The new softball facility construction on the South campus is scheduled for this semester, as well. The physical plant hopes the facilities will be ready for fall practice, Hellums said.
The track and field area is also going getting a facelift. The track will be resurfaced and the field area will be reworked. The old indoor diving well is also going to be converted into a recreational pool.
The various projects on campus seem to affect students differently.
"The construction isn't attractive, but it looks like they're trying to make the campus more attractive," said Jaime Travis, a sophomore art major. "I've had to walk off the sidewalks in the grass sometimes, but the construction hasn't really been a problem."
The construction has been a major hindrance for others, however.
"I have almost gotten into a couple of accidents because of people swerving to avoid the construction on Veterans," said Nadia Rachel, a sophomore architecture major. "It takes forever and it just keeps getting worse."
Rachel doesn't idly complain. She believes there could be major improvements in the way that the physical plant deals with the student body.
"A little explanation would be nice," she said. She suggests that should be boards posted by the construction that explain what is going on and when the work is expected to be finished.
"If the students knew a little more about what was going on, we would all be better off," Rachel said.
The physical plant is in charge of some significant projects this semester, and they are planning on making as little disruption as possible, Hellums said.
"Our main concern right now is trying to get as much of the underground work done as we possibly can," Hellums said.
The physical plant tries to limit its disruption for the students, faculty and staff as much as they can, said Cash.
"It is our goal to keep everyone informed on the progression of our projects."
