The construction of the new Inman Admissions Center, which will integrate Elon University’s financial planning, recruiting and admissions staff, is on schedule to be complete by early January.
“The building phase is moving along quite well,” said Brad Moore, university architect and director of planning, design and construction management. “We’ve almost wrapped up the exterior of the building. Inside, we’ve started putting in drywall and the first coats of paint.”
By early 2015, staff will begin relocating to the new two-story, 32,000 square-foot building. Many offices are already coordinating their move.
Greg Zaiser, vice president of admissions and financial planning, said most of the office furniture will arrive soon. The Nugent lobby, which will provide seating and information in the front atrium for current and prospective students, will be one of the first spaces to be furnished.
If construction continues on schedule, “financial planning, the welcome center and graduate admissions will proceed in moving in the early part of next year,” Zaiser said. The move, however, would need to precede Elon’s application deadlines on Jan. 10.
“We don’t want to be out of commission during that time,” Zaiser said. “It’s one of our busiest of the entire year.”
The admissions and financial planning staff helped plan the building’s interior design. Most have already scouted out their potential office locations.
“In terms of work space and work flow, we had to consider the public space we need to accommodate all of our visitors,” Zaiser said.
Students are also considering public spaces. Many are glad the construction of the new admissions building is almost over. Its completion will make it easier to get to East Campus without having to circumvent construction barriers, especially those who live in the Loy Center or other areas near the ongoing construction.
“It’s hard to get around everything right now, so I’m glad that the admissions center will be completed soon,” said senior Mackenzie Kiger.
Kiger also said that while it will be convenient to have all admissions-related offices in one area, she worries about the lack of parking spaces for students and faculty.
The Inman Admissions Center will feature a new 70-space parking lot on its north side for visitors only. — perhaps the biggest criticism of students.
“A bigger building for admissions is good, but I still wish there was more parking for students,” said freshman Daniel Roth.
While the university may have had sacrificed on some student parking, Zaiser said he was excited to “become one department with financial aid and admissions.”
“We have not been physically together in a decade,” Zaiser said. “Sharing one space will be much more customer friendly for currently enrolled students, prospective students and families. Ultimately, this will serve everyone.”
The Inman Admissions Center will not be dedicated until spring of 2015, though the facility will be in complete use before that time.