EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Reflecting Eastern Michigan’s deep commitment to educating students in STEM disciplines, the University has submitted the renovation of Jones and Goddard Halls, Phase II of the College of Technology’s plan for engineering program growth and expansion, as the University’s top project request for state cost participation for fiscal year 2020.

Jones and Goddard Halls are currently closed buildings that were previously used as University housing. They are located adjacent to Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology and its School of Engineering Technology.

The project would include selective demolition of both Jones and Goddard halls to provide the renovation of 44,000 square feet within Jones Hall and a 26,000 square foot-addition from the existing open courtyard space between the two buildings, totaling 70,000 square feet of renovated or new space. The remaining un-renovated Goddard Hall space will be saved for future uses by the University.

The additional 70,000 square feet of academic space would allow the University to continue expansion of its engineering programs beyond the mechanical, computer and electrical engineering programs currently being offered to include the expected addition of future civil, chemical and industrial engineering programs. Given increasing demand, the College of Technology projects a 65 percent growth in enrollment in the next 10- to 15-year period.

The project also provides space for student engineering and technology organizations, student advising centers and collaboration and maker’s spaces, professional business and community outreach offices and expanded faculty offices.

The approved cost to complete Phase II of the College of Technology Engineering Program Growth is $40 million. At a funding mix of 75 percent state and 25 percent Eastern, the University’s cost share would be $10 million.

Last year, the University submitted Sill Hall as its annual capital outlay request to the State of Michigan as Phase I of the College of Technology Engineering Program Growth. But the clear trends of increasing demand for engineering training dictated an immediate start to the effort; thus Eastern is funding the $40 million project through its own capital and fundraising resources.

The University is currently finishing work on Strong Hall, Eastern’s most recent joint capital project with the state of Michigan. The $40 million project, approved by the state in 2016, involves the complete renovation and addition for a crucial facility that houses numerous labs for STEM classes, and which represents the third and final phase of the Science Complex.

Construction started in fall 2017, and will be completed this fall, with occupancy to begin at the start of the winter 2019 semester.

The State Budget Office issued its Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Outlay Budget memorandum to University Presidents on August 23, 2018.  The Management and Budget Act, Public Act 431 of 1984, as amended, requires universities to present a five-year capital outlay plan no later than Nov. 1 of each year. Universities may also elect to submit a capital outlay project request for state cost participation.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.