Renovations are taking place on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Academic Hall and Magill Hall are being repaired while a new residence hall is being built. Kathy Mangels, vice president of Finance and Administration at Southeast, handles the finances for the renovations that happen on campus.

Q: How is the reconstruction going so far on campus?

A: For Academic Hall we put up the fence over winter break. We are getting the bids for the renovations Thursday [Jan. 19] afternoon, and we plan on being done by June or July of 2013. For the new residence hall, we are getting the bids in February. For right now we have the architect design plans, which include more parking spots, room layouts and the electrical equipment. We plan on having the new residence hall and the renovations in Magill Hall done by fall of 2013.

Q:Has everything been going as planned and staying on track?

A: Academic Hall is moving right along. There is a lot of detail, woodwork and historical aspects to take into consideration and so it takes more time. We have the general contract starting in February. For the new residence hall, that is going well and it has been moving quickly because, with building Vandiver Hall recently, we have seen what the students like and so we have been using that to help us with building the new residence hall.

Q:What were the initial budgets? Have you gone over or are you under?

A: For Academic Hall our budget is a little over $22 million. Once we find out the bids on Thursday, Jan. 19, we will see if we are over or under budget. With the new residence hall, our budget is $24.7 million. Right now we are designing to the budget, and we are waiting for the bids on this, too.

Q: Any relocations happening or proposed yet as far as renovations on Greek Hill?

A: There are no relocations happening right now. We are waiting to hear from different members of Greek Hill and alumni on how renovations on Greek Hill will affect them and what they have to say about it.

Q:For Academic Hall I read that one of the main goals is to enhance student experience. Can you tell me a little about that?

A: We want the first floor of the renovated Academic Hall to be dedicated to student services. Take several departments, such as Student Financial Services, and put them next to each other so more than one department at one time can serve students.

Q: As far as priority, is one of the renovation projects more important than the others?

A: Not really. Each project has their own schedule and affect different parts of campus.

Q: Was there any activity on these sites over winter break?

A: We put the gate up around Academic Hall and Magill Hall has been offline since last semester. There is going to be activity on the new residence hall this semester.

Q: What is the idea behind all of these renovations?

A: The main idea is to maintain our campus. We have to keep our classrooms in good shape and not wait until they collapse to do something about them. It is our responsibility to keep our campus in good shape and up-to-date with the new technology.

Q: How do you think these renovations will affect the school as a whole? Have you gotten any comments so far?

A: Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions Dr. Deborah Below said, "Buildings sell themselves." We have visitors and future students come to our campus, and I think the way our buildings look have an impact on recruiting.