The University of Louisville announced the possibility of a new building project last week that would mean more academic and/or research space on campus.
While it seems orange barricades and yellow tape are a constant obstacle for students in the university’s perpetual expansion, the positives of this move would far outweigh the negatives, if there are any negatives at all.

The project would bring U of L closer to their goal of becoming a premier metropolitan research university as part of the 2020 plan. This would mean that a degree from the University of Louisville would carry more weight, as the school gained credibility on a national, and even international stage.

The expansion, 39 acres in all, would create more space that could equate to more degree options, more research or more job opportunities.

The best part of the plan is that it makes a minimal dent in the university’s and students’ wallets. The University of Louisville Foundation will fund the majority of the project, pulling from their private donations.

And as far as the construction goes, most students likely won’t even notice it. Unlike many campus projects, which produce inconveniences at some point during our ventures to class, the construction for this project will take place outside of the general campus boundaries. The land set aside for the buildings is south of Eastern Parkway between the J.B. Speed School of Engineering and Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium in an urban wasteland.

All in all, this potential expansion is a great improvement for the university and students.

The school would become larger and more credible, and students wouldn’t have to deal with the hassle that generally comes with expansion. Although the funds for the construction are currently uncertain, we have high hopes for the future of the university and believe this would be a great step forward for the community.

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Photo courtesy Broken Sidewalk