A lot of work has been done across campus this past summer: Residence halls have been renovated, the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies has continued to progress, and the Commons, especially the mailroom, has gotten a face lift.
However, in the process of improving the infrastructure of campus, the Physical Facilities Plant has not forgotten one aspect that is just as important: What people see when they first come to campus. At the main entrance points around campus, maps have been put up to show where construction is in progress and where various buildings can be found.
Previously, the only publicly posted map was found outside of the Public Safety building. Clearly, increasing the number of locations in which these maps can be found will make it easier for visitors and new students to find their way around campus. Already, we’ve noticed people using them to find their way around.
The buildings themselves are, as always, clearly labeled, although with new signs that were put up over summer break. Efforts have also been made to be sure that once a visitor enters key buildings, like Academy Hall, they can find what offices they are looking for inside.
Beyond this, a lot of effort has been put into landscaping campus in general. In addition to the yearly planting of new flora, the sidewalks have been widened along 15th Street and it was arranged so that all the wiring could go underground in the future.
The move towards a more “user-friendly interface” across campus makes RPI more inviting not only to the current students and faculty, but also potential students and other visitors to campus. This has been a general trend over the past few years which will only make it easier for Rensselaer to win more grants and attract a higher level of faculty and students. Sometimes it’s the small things that can make a difference.
