I think that additional square footage at campuses should be limited until schools maximize summer semesters. Remodels and replacement buildings would be OK, but they should maximize year round use of campuses before major expansions.

Good thought, PCS, but highly impractical. Here at SUU, we've tried everything to increase summer enrollments, including significant tuition breaks to encourage students to enroll in summer school. The fact is, most Utah college students need the summer off to work and earn money for the traditional academic year. And most of the students who don't have to work during the summer don't want to attend summer school anyway. They may not need the break, but they sure want it. If you could show me a way to get students enrolled in classes during non-peak times of the year, then I'd say you have grounds for your argument. Meanwhile, I'd suggest you set foot inside our present Life Science building during the fall and spring semesters and see what the students, faculty and staff are up against. You might change your mind.

I'm with you, Horse. Come to SUU and see the dilapidated facility that is the current Life Science Building. You would be amazed at what the students accomplish here with such sub-par equipment and space. The placement rates of SUU students in graduate schools across the entire country is second to none thanks to the dedicated faculty and superb instruction they get in Cedar City. This new building would help push the Science programs even further ahead. I hope the Legislature recognizes the tremendous growth at SUU and funds this facility this session.

I appreciate the thoughtful comments from reader-citizens. Although I am a wetland biologist by trade, as Dean of the Sciences at SUU, I think our greatest impact for Utah and beyond is the fact that 62% of our graduates (about 195 students graduated in May, 2007) go into the health professions.

The additional space and facilities are really critical and will permit SUU to continue to serve the growing health needs and other science professions in southern rural regions of Utah.

What SUU has been able to do with limited space and sub-standard equipment is nothing short of amazing. Graduate school acceptance is nearly perfect, placement rates are high, standardized exam scores (espeically in chemistry) are outstanding, and SUU science graduates are in-demand. The project is needed to address current and future science needs on the campus. Thanks to all for their support of the proposed project.