Classroom Improvement Project Pearson Hall Classrooms Renovation
Formerly listed in Techstarter as:
"Classroom Technology Upgrades for Pearson Hall Renovation Project"
Jim Twetten
Director, Academic Technologies
Information Technology Services 1rwettengiastate.edu 515-294-2317
In conjunction with
Classroom Improvement Project Implementation Committee:
Ellen Rasmussen, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost
Kasie Doering, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost
Margie Tabor, Facilities Planning and Management
Katie Baumgarn, Facilities Planning and Management
Laura Bestler, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
Jim Twetten, Information Technology SeNices
/ Jim Twetten
Classroom Improvement Project Pearson Hall Classrooms Renovation Formerly listed in Techstarter as: “Classroom Technology Upgrades for Pearson Hall Renovation Project” Jim Twetten Director, Academic Technologies Information Technology Services [email protected] 515-294-2317
In conjunction with Classroom Improvement Project Implementation Committee: Ellen Rasmussen, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost Kasie Doering, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost Margie Tabor, Facilities Planning and Management Katie Baumgarn, Facilities Planning and Management Laura Bestler, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Jim Twetten, Information Technology Services __________________________________________________________
Jim Twetten
Background and Project Purpose In the Spring Semester of 2013, in the face of increasing enrollment and aging ISU classroom facilities, an engagement began to identify ways to upgrade certain classrooms to meet new needs. New pedagogical methods, new technologies, and new ways to address courses enrollment were all pushing ISU to consider modifications to facilities and processes.
The University contracted with an architectural firm out of Des Moines, INVISION, to help lead the analysis, and an ad hoc committee of University staff was formed to oversee the effort. Part of the architects’ charge was to help ISU identify the classrooms for upgrade which would bring the greatest return to the University in both time and resources (e.g. – classrooms where significant HVAC or asbestos abatement issues exist may not lead to swift or economical upgrades). By May of 2014, INVISION had completed their analysis and provided the University with a report that provided an in-depth analysis of classroom facilities at ISU. With the report in hand, the University had some key information that will lead to a series of classroom renovations to be addressed in the coming few years.
In the fall of 2014, an implementation committee began meeting regularly to plan for the first set of upgrades. Informed by administrative discussions with the provost and the deans, a set of “quick wins” were identified – classrooms where resources could be applied for swift results (swift, at least in traditional facility upgrade timelines) to meet University needs.
In the attached memo, “Classroom Improvement Implementation, December 2014,” note that several efforts listed in Phase One are already underway with minor renovations. Listed in both Phase One and Phase Two of this document is “Pearson 2nd Floor Classrooms.” After planning stages occur in the latter part of 2015, the estimated $1.5M project is slated for construction activity in 2016 and early 2017. Each major effort in the Classroom Improvement Project will require funding from multiple stakeholders and sources in order to see ISU classrooms improve. For the Pearson Hall project, the Provost’s Office, FP&M, and the LAS college (primary users of Pearson Hall classrooms), have already made financial commitments. These dollars will be spent primarily on planning, construction, and room furnishings.
The technology component for this project still needs to be addressed. There are eleven classrooms involved in the project, and IT Services estimates that each classroom, on average, will consume $25,000 for technology installation and integration. This technology includes display devices (projection or flat panels, as appropriate), media control systems, audio support systems, cameras for both
document and classroom capture, and computers for annotation and classroom software support. An exact list of technology will be devised for each classroom during the planning phase of this project in later 2015, when primary faculty users of these rooms will be engaged for their exact needs.
Impact on the Student Experience The overall Classroom Improvement Project will have a significant impact on the student experience. There are currently 105 classes per week in the Pearson Hall 2nd floor classrooms, for a total 4530 student course-seats per week. After renovation, both of these numbers will increase, as space utilization will improve and class sizes can be better fitted to need. Additionally, improved furniture and furnishings will lead to aesthetic improvements that are conducive to improved learning.
Specific to technology, the hardware and software in the classrooms will be brought up to date; wireless capacity will be optimized for online student work during class time; and, where appropriate, student-centered technology support that aids student group activities and in-class research will be provided. The primary beneficiaries of these improved facilities will be the students, themselves.
These eleven classrooms are part of the university’s general assignment pool of 215 classrooms; classrooms centrally scheduled by the university, assignable to any instructor or program. It should also be noted that these rooms are used heavily evenings and weekends for Supplemental Instruction.
Integration with Current University Infrastructure The technology integrated into these classrooms will be in line with the overall classroom technology plan for campus, and the interfaces, software, and networking standards will be consistent with other ISU classrooms. The classroom technology maintenance and upgrading responsibility for these eleven Pearson Hall 2nd floor classrooms will fall to IT Services, which supports all 215 general assignment classrooms at ISU. IT Services maintains an annual pool of dollars dedicated to classroom technology maintenance. These classrooms will continue to be scheduled centrally by FP&M.
Budget a) The total estimated cost of the Pearson Hall 2nd Floor Classroom Renovation
project is $1,500,000. Current commitments from the Senior Vice President & Provost, FP&M, and college of LAS are at approximately $1,100,000. Of the overall project cost, $325,000 is expected to support technology in the eleven classrooms (11 classrooms X $25,000/room).
c) This project will see some expenditures in the FY16 year, with some additional expenditures falling into FY17. However, it is likely that the entire sum can be captured in FY16 into the capital project account. Reporting back to the CAC on expenditures would still occur, as usual.
d) Breakdown of cost / per room is approximately $18,000 for technology hardware; $2,000 in classroom software; and $5,000 in professional services (technology design, integration/installation, electrical contractor, etc.). Exact expenditures will be determined in the project planning process, during consultation with faculty users.
- Total cost per room = $25,000 - Total number of classrooms = 11 - This proposal requests up to $325,000 to support technology in these
eleven classrooms.
Attachments:
Classroom Improvement Implementation, December 2014
CPAC (Capital Projects Advisory Committee) Meeting: February 24, 2015 project summary
Classroom Improvement Implementation December 2014 The Classroom Improvement Implementation plan assumes $1.5M will be available annually from a variety of funding sources to improve instructional spaces and the overall learning environment at Iowa State University. The plan identifies potential priority projects for the next two years. Planning Parameters The Classroom Improvement Study listed classrooms in order of priority for renovation based on the following parameters:
• Functionality: Rooms most in need of functional improvement to aid accessibility and foster more active learning environments
• Capacity: Rooms with a capacity between 75-150 • Availability: prioritize classrooms and schedule improvements to ensure an adequate
number of classrooms are available to meet instructional needs
Additional planning parameters will also be incorporated:
• Location: select a variety of classrooms; each of which may serve a specific college (for partnership opportunities)
• Scope: mix of project scope to include minor remodeling through major capital projects • Immediate gains: identify some improvements that could be accomplished the summer of
2015; work that will be noticeable and easily highlighted • Additional classrooms: be opportunistic and identify spaces that may be available for
repurposing to meet classroom needs • Adaptability: review plan annually to address changing needs and potential maintenance
issues • Instructional technology: instructional technology options for each project will be
informed by the ITS Learning Ecosystems Study (learn.provost.iastate.edu) and other faculty input mechanisms
Implementation strategy 2015 classroom improvement projects include several projects already in progress. Due to scheduling issues and material availability, remaining activities for several projects will occur between December 2014 and August 2015. These projects will be addressed via the institution’s annual deferred maintenance allocation for classrooms. Lagomarcino W142 is being renovated in response to faculty feedback; the modifications planned in Science I will improve the overall condition and quality, as well as accessibility. Both of these classrooms are of a size and capacity that is most in demand on campus and identified by the Classroom Improvement Study as a high priority.
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Major renovation projects will span multiple years due to the complexity of design and length of construction required. This plan recognizes the need to be flexible, to adapt from year to year to respond to funding availability, project scope, scheduling issues, and unforeseen opportunities or issues. Phase One:
Building/room Capacity Scope of work Schedule Cost Design 101 248 Lighting improvements In progress $150.0K Physics 3 117 Flooring replacement In progress $25.0K Physics 5 270 Flooring replacement In progress $10.0K Lagomarcino W142 150 Total renovation Summer 2015 $235.0K Science 152 93 Total renovation Summer 2015 $200.0K Various selected classrooms: Carver, Ross, Kildee, Lagomarcino, Black and Sweeney
Seating (Kildee estimated at $190.0K of total)
Summer 2015 $355.0K
Pearson 2nd floor classrooms Various Major renovation Planning 2015 $150.0K Durham 139 TBD Major renovation Planning and
construction 2015
$100.0K
Phase Two: The following list identifies two major projects that began in 2015 and will complete in 2016/2017. Additional projects listed are included as a part of the planning process; the project scope, feasibility, cost and schedule will be evaluated in the coming year to determine the viability, funding availability, and priority.
Building/room Capacity Scope of work Schedule Cost Pearson 2nd floor classrooms Various Major renovation Construction
2016-2017 $1.35M
Durham 139 TBD Major renovation Construction 2016
$750.0K
Durham 81 TBD Planning for new classroom
Agronomy 2050 117 Total renovation Gilman 1104 81 Combine to create two
new classrooms
Gilman 1114 30 LeBaron 59 30 Combine to create one
large classroom
LeBaron 67 45 Lagomarcino 1520 32 Total renovation
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IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost CPAC Meeting: February 24, 2015 Pearson Hall Classroom Improvement Project Proposal Permission to Proceed with Planning and Construction There are twenty-one general university classrooms in Pearson Hall, totaling almost 15,000 square feet. This is approximately 10% of the pool of 214 general university classrooms. The classrooms vary in capacity; many rooms seat about 36 students. There are also two larger classrooms that accommodate classes with an enrollment between 90 and 100 students. Pearson Hall was constructed in 1962 as a primarily classroom building. A central campus location with great student accessibility contributes to the fact that this building continues to be a major classroom resource for the campus community. As a result, this set of classrooms was prioritized for upgrade as part of the implementation of the Classroom Improvement Planning Study. Project Description: While furniture and technology have been updated and the classrooms have been individually and incrementally remodeled over the years, for the most part, air distribution, ceilings, and light fixtures have not been modified since the building was originally constructed 50 years ago. Materials and room finishes need to be upgraded; furniture and technology need to adapt to current pedagogical methods to facilitate more active learning environments. Half of the classrooms in Pearson are on the second floor occupying more than 8,500 square feet with a combined capacity of 459 seats. See attached floor plan. Renovating all of the classrooms on the second floor at one time will offer efficiency and an economy of scale to the construction project, more easily accommodate modifications to the mechanical system, and provide the opportunity to right-size some of the classrooms to meet higher capacity classroom needs. This project will renovate the public corridors on the second floor as well, improving overall aesthetics and integrating corridor seating and collaboration areas as possible. Project Schedule: A preliminary schedule indicates the project will take approximately two years from the start of design through construction completion. The design process will be structured to include faculty and departments who have been recent users of the classrooms so that their ideas can be incorporated. Expertise from CELT and other campus classroom technology partners will also be included so that future
Pearson Hall Classroom Improvement Project Proposal for CPAC
pedagogical directions will be reflected in the design of the spaces. The schedule will seek to minimize the amount of time the classrooms will be out of service, but anticipate that it could be 16 months. Project Budget: This project is estimated to cost approximately $1.5M and will renovate almost 11,000 square feet on the second floor. The design process will establish a more specific budget and determine a more definite schedule. At this point, several funding partners have committed to supporting the project: the office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Information Technology Services, and Facilities, Planning and Management. Specific contributions from each of these groups will be identified when more detailed cost estimates are available.
Pearson Hall Classroom Improvement Project Proposal for CPAC
