The new student affairs complex is an essential part of the
university’s long-term plan to revitalize its 128-year-old campus, improve
customer service, and promote efficiency and effectiveness. Upon completion,
the building’s total cost is estimated to be about $36 million and will combine
under one roof many essential student services that are currently scattered
across the campus.
The 73,000-square-foot building will house Recruitment,
Admissions, Financial Aid, the Office of the Registrar, Student Accounts, the
Center for Disability Access and Resources, and the Undergraduate Student
Success Center. Most of those offices are currently located in the Foote-Hilyer Administration
Center, which was constructed back in 1950.
Additional services include academic counseling, tutorial
space, computer labs, study space, student meeting space, and a police
sub-station. The new facility will allow the university to improve the student
experience and help to promote retention and graduation.
“We are extremely thankful to the Florida Legislature for
their support, and for helping us provide our students with a 21st century
living and learning environment. The funding will help us offer the kind of
supportive services that our students deserve and need in regards to completing
their degree programs on time,” said FAMU President Elmira Mangum.
The Legislature’s appropriation for $1.4 million in capital
funding will help to complete the construction of the Pharmacy Phase II
building, which is expected to be completed in 2016. Upon completion, this new
74,000-square-foot research facility will house the necessary research and
laboratory space that will allow FAMU to compete successfully for additional
federal research grants and awards. The College currently generates over $23.1
million in federal research awards, supporting over 50 jobs. The additional
research space will allow FAMU to grow its research capacity, creating
additional new jobs funded by federal and private sector grants. The space will
also help to support additional research and career training opportunities for
students.