Constructing a Web site
Editorial Board
Issue date: 7/3/09 Section: Ed-Op
Have you ever been in a rush to get to classes and ran into a big blue tarp when trying to get through the Quad? Have you gotten lost amongst piles of poles and dirt while trying to find your way into the gym? Have you heard rumors about a Taco Bell in the Hagerty Library and went to check it out, only to find a crowded set of tables and no food in sight but lame Sodehxo snacks? Have you crashed into a fence surrounding Kelly? If any of the above situations apply to you, you may agree with our simple request.
There are so many construction projects going on concurrently as the "Master Plan" is executed, but how many of them will be done on time? What are the roadblocks that impede progress, and what projects, if any, have actually come out ahead of schedule? Scouring Drexel's current Web sites and searching on Google, we found few answers.
As paying students of Drexel, we deserve to at least know a little more than "Estimated Completion Fall 2010," and the various other ambiguous deadlines posted at each site. We propose that Drexel create a Web site for students to track the progress of all construction projects. Transparency is in fashion these days, after all.
At the very least, this Web site will be a great publicity move. Our campus may be in a period of transition - but it is a very ugly period, and it would ease our minds, as well as those of visitors to campus, to have some better idea of how things are progressing.
Such a Web site would provide more insight into the various stages of construction. It's discouraging to see nothing but holes dug in the ground for months at a time and have no idea what they're for - especially when they frequently block traffic on sidewalks and streets alike. We've noticed that Millennium Hall was erected rather quickly - possibly because each room built will bring in an estimated $14,000 per person come fall. But the DAC, the library's café, and the Integrated Sciences Building don't seem to be making any speedy progression.
The idyllic computer-generated photos hanging in the Main Building are not sufficient. Because the campus affects the current students at Drexel, it is important to share with us the details of each construction project along the way. The support of the Drexel community is crucial in this transition period, but without knowledge, it's hard to maintain a positive attitude for so long.
There are so many construction projects going on concurrently as the "Master Plan" is executed, but how many of them will be done on time? What are the roadblocks that impede progress, and what projects, if any, have actually come out ahead of schedule? Scouring Drexel's current Web sites and searching on Google, we found few answers.
As paying students of Drexel, we deserve to at least know a little more than "Estimated Completion Fall 2010," and the various other ambiguous deadlines posted at each site. We propose that Drexel create a Web site for students to track the progress of all construction projects. Transparency is in fashion these days, after all.
At the very least, this Web site will be a great publicity move. Our campus may be in a period of transition - but it is a very ugly period, and it would ease our minds, as well as those of visitors to campus, to have some better idea of how things are progressing.
Such a Web site would provide more insight into the various stages of construction. It's discouraging to see nothing but holes dug in the ground for months at a time and have no idea what they're for - especially when they frequently block traffic on sidewalks and streets alike. We've noticed that Millennium Hall was erected rather quickly - possibly because each room built will bring in an estimated $14,000 per person come fall. But the DAC, the library's café, and the Integrated Sciences Building don't seem to be making any speedy progression.
The idyllic computer-generated photos hanging in the Main Building are not sufficient. Because the campus affects the current students at Drexel, it is important to share with us the details of each construction project along the way. The support of the Drexel community is crucial in this transition period, but without knowledge, it's hard to maintain a positive attitude for so long.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Anonymous
posted 7/03/09 @ 8:50 PM EST
While I agree a website with exact details would be great, maybe Drexel would give your editorials some weight if you actually wrote them respectfully. (Continued…)
Andy
posted 7/05/09 @ 12:20 AM EST
Drexel's department of planning, design and construction has a website though it usually offers very little detail and doesn't seem to be updated in a very timely fashion. (Continued…)
anonymous
posted 7/05/09 @ 11:33 AM EST
Bravo, Anonymous! Triangle editors, you have a unique position to reflect on both the positives and 'opportunities for improvement' on our campus. Complaining about multi-million dollar construction jobs in the midst of the worst recession is not only mis-guided, but also reveals a selfish stance. (Continued…)
Greg
posted 7/09/09 @ 9:55 AM EST
Agreed with what the previous posters said, plus I'd rather not have Drexel spend resources - time, money and people to update this website - when they could be spending them on more useful things. (Continued…)
Post a Comment