MUC Construction: Worth it?
The incessant beeping of various equipment, the surplus of discarded gravel and rocks, the mud and the unsightly view of black tarp and wire fences surrounding the area can only mean one thing; the Muenster University Center expansion is finally underway at the University of South Dakota.
The construction surrounding this addition to the MUC is certainly anything but pleasant. This central point of activity at the university obviously sees its fair amount of traffic throughout an average day. Many students come here to chat, eat lunch, watch movies and yes, they even go there to study.
But lately, all of these activities are being interrupted by the constant sound of jackhammers, bulldozers and other forms of machinery.
Although the additional square footage gained through this expansion will be necessary to fit USD’s growing student population, the process of acquiring it has not been appealing to most students.
The MUC is not the only heavily used area affected by the construction either. Students studying in the library cope with the racket of construction as well. Additionally, many librarians and other faculty with offices located in the library receive the brunt of the noise, too.
However, with this noise, most students, and even faculty, are in favor of the MUC’s additions. I mean, who can argue with the addition of a Qdoba, Einstein’s Bagel Co. and Chick-Fil-A to the campus’ dining options?
The central location of the construction work is less than ideal at this point.
With the MUC being just a couple of years old, the common questions arising are: Why weren’t these additions made in the first place? Will current students even see the final results of the add-ons?
For many students, particularly graduating seniors, they will never reap the benefits of the expansion. Rather than a promise for the future, for them, the noise and construction is just a nuisance to the university body as a whole.
Many students wonder when this addition will end, one year, two years, three years? With construction in full swing, the projected completion date is set for spring of 2014. However, we all know most construction deadlines are loose because weather conditions and other circumstances.
I agree with disgruntled students that the work being done is rather annoying. But on the other hand, we need to look forward to the future and see the ultimate benefits that the MUC expansion will eventually bring.
Reach columnist Kathleen Serie at
