Changes for Saddleback’s campus in the works
It is no secret that Saddleback College has started making some major changes to its campus, the most recent change being the library remodel.
However, many not-so-obvious changes are also in the works. New buildings, roads, parking lots, and walkways are planned for the campus.
Many of these changes will not go into effect for several years, but construction is beginning in some places and ongoing in others.
The college president, Dr. Tod A. Burnett, would like to make Saddleback’s campus the “first choice” for community college students in south Orange County.
In order to succeed in this goal, major changes to the accessibility and modernization of the institution are in the works.
Among these changes is the much needed new science building, which is scheduled for completion in 2013.
It has been over 40 years since the college was built, and the classrooms in the current Science and Math building, where the science classes are currently held, have not been updated since construction.
“The new science building will give us state-of-the-art labs and classrooms for our science programs.” Burnett said. “We are certainly in need of it and are very excited about it.”
The science building is set to be built in place of the current parking lot 7, which is a faculty parking lot.
Burnett also has plans to make the campus more “student centric.” He acknowledged the need for a place for students to be able to study and hangout.
In an effort to help meet this goal, the transfer center in the quad is due to be demolished to make way for a large plaza that will take its place.
The transfer center will move to the student services building permanently.
Future renovations and upgrades of all the facilities on campus are a priority for President Burnett, and many are in the near future.