By Lindy Thackston
Staff Writer

The Purdue Board of Trustees recently passed a budget to complete a number of new building projects through a 10-year plan.

Some constructions include a nanoscale technology center at $37 million, a computer science building at $13 million, and a construction technology building project costing $3.5 million.

"The primary need is the growth of the academic program and the number of students they're trying to serve," said Tom Schmenk, director of Facilities Planning and Construction.

Recruiting is a hopeful secondary result.

"Obviously if you have good facilities, it will attract good faculty," Schmenk said.

Frederick Emshousen, associate dean of the School of Technology, said, "The environment that the University can provide for faculty members is certainly one of the key issues to attract quality faculty."

The buildings are to be privately funded with the exception of a portion of the computer science building, which will have about two-thirds state funding.

Since these buildings will have private funds, construction will start when the money is raised. It is impossible to say when that might be.

"It's a positive step for computer science and research in our discipline," said Ahmed Sameh, head of the department of computer science. "This is very good for attracting students and faculty."

The exact location of the buildings is still under investigation.

However, it is known that the computer science building will be on the north side of campus, the construction technology building will be on south side of campus and the nanoscale technology building may possibly be in the Research Park.

The buildings have not yet been designed and they are presently being programmed to see what they should contain.

Planning has been going on for about two years.

"Planning is an ongoing process," Schmenk said. "These three facilities are part of the constant dialogue with Deans and the President that identifies academic needs. Priorities drive projects to the top of the list based on academic justification."

Sameh said, "I think it will be of great value to our department to have the University plan a building for us because we are outgrowing our current building. It's a good step to show the University interest in nourishing the faculty who are in information technology."