Correction: The article on page 8 of the Feb. 1 edition of The Pendulum stated the renovation for Long Building was scheduled for 2018 instead of 2017. The article also said some Communications faculty worked in Long Building, when they actually work in Powell Building. ENN regrets the errors.

Elon University’s School of Communications has been expanding rapidly in the past couple years but the school’s most recent construction projects are coming to an end with the renovation of Long Building.

According to Dean of the School of Communications Paul Parsons, the original plan included a four-building expansion. McEwen Communication Building was renovated last summer, while there were ongoing constructions of Schar Hall this summer, and the final moving into the building that happened after Fall Break. In January, Steers Pavilion was christened with two communication classes.

“The Long Building has already been emptied,” Parsons said. “Construction crew is in there right now, and we are hoping to be moving into a newly renovated Long Building by next summer.”
Long will host the school’s M.A. in Interactive Media program, and the second floor will be used by the sports & event management department. Both are currently in the Powell Building.
Tony Weaver, associate professor of sport and event management and chair of the department, said the new building will give them the opportunity to bring all faculty together on one floor, which they will have space to teach.

“Powell Building has been great for us because we’re right in the center of campus,” Weaver said. “Our move to Long will give them a newer and fresher home, and give them the chance to see our department as a part of School of Communications. It will be easier for our students to recognize it.”

Weaver said the faculty in Powell Building always felt a part of the School of Communications through Parsons' actions and how inclusive the faculty is, but the physical location will make it easier for them to “create a little bit of an identity along with the School of Communications on that side of campus.”

Parsons said the faculty have outgrown their facilities in the years he’s been here.
Previously, McEwen was the only School of Communications building in 2000, when it moved into the building after Belk Library was built. The renovation of Long Building  was suppose to wait until summer, but that would add more pressure to have it ready before the new academic year.

“Our student population is growing and we have some new faculty starting in August, so adding some new facilities will really help us,” Weaver said, “I’m not sure if there is a perfect time, but what I can say is that we will be ready for the move and we are going to take advantage of everything they are going to give us in that new building.”

“Part of the [School of Communications construction] project is to bring together student media that was spread around campus,” Parsons said.

Parsons also talked about how the addition of new buildings gives more space for a growing faculty. But at the end of the day, everything happens for the students and their experiences on campus. “

Parsons is also looking forward to the addition of Schar Convocation Center in about two years, and beginning of the expansion for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business.