Campus to open newest building

The start of the fall semester will bring the official opening of the campus’ newest building—the Academic Information Resource Center. Though tenants have been gradually been moving into the building for the past several months, the rest of campus will get a chance to tour the facility at an open house from 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23.

The $17.3 million, 100,000 square-foot project was designed as a technology “hub” for the campus, highlighting the growing importance of information technology in higher education. It represents another important step in the University’s ambitious Destination 2010 initiative to make Sacramento State a premier metropolitan campus and a destination campus for the West.

The building, located between Library North and Benicia Hall, now houses Computer Communication and Media Services administration offices, University Computing and Communications Services, and University Telecommunications Services in one place, instead of in various facilities across campus. The building is also home to the Academic Technology and Creative Services department, its director’s office, distance learning, graphics, and online instructional development units.

The four-story center also provides interactive learning labs, 24-hour student computer labs, library study areas, and facilities for distance education offerings including Web or Web-enhanced classes and video-based courses. In addition, there are two specialized labs for the computer science program, one for business administration, and one for the nursing program.

Funding for the project came from Proposition 1A, a 1998 state bond measure that provided funds for education facilities. Additional monies were also provided through other sources.

The building was expected to be ready for full occupation in the spring, but significant drywall damage caused by a flood last September pushed the opening back. It was designed by Dreyfuss and Blackford Architects and built by the McCarthy Building Company.