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TOME – When students at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus resumed their classes this fall, they most likely noticed some upgrades and improvements on campus.
From renovated parking lots to upgraded amphitheatres to a safe space for at-risk students, Rick Goshorn, director of business operations, says the improvements are all aimed at making the campus more welcoming to students.
“The goal is to create a more ‘collegial’ atmosphere,” said Goshorn. “The most visible things are logos and banners, more branding. We want to create spaces that, once the students have finished their lessons, want to stay, spend time. “
The campus student union building has received an update and facelift, creating study areas with comfy chairs and small whiteboards for collaboration and brainstorming.
“It’s a complete renovation. It was one of the first buildings built here in the late 1980s. It was very dated, ”Goshorn said. “The kitchen has also been improved. “
Julia M. Dendinger | Photo News-Bulletin
The outdoor seating area of the student union building on the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus has been updated, as has the rest of the building, just in time for fall classes. The abstract lattice pattern of the shading structures and seen in other renovations on campus reflects the characteristics of the Rio Grande Valley from the sky.
The university building’s main conference room has undergone upgrades ranging from better soundproofing to ADA complaint ramps and chairs that can swivel to allow students to create small groups to work on projects.
Other upgrades include renovations to the “back” entrance to the campus on the west side near the health sciences and nursing buildings.
“A lot of sand had blown in this area and everything just needed to be improved. We re-landscaped and fixed some handicap and access issues, ”said Goshorn. “We redone all the parking lots, scratched them and painted them. “
At this point, most of the campus buildings as well as two parking lot shade structures have solar panels on their roofs, he said, allowing the campus to generate more than 70% of its own electricity.
Another project nearing completion is the space in the Learning Resource Center for at-risk students.
“We have federal grants that can be used to serve our most at-risk students to provide them with a safe space,” Goshorn said. “There will be showers, washers and dryers, a kitchen. “
The college’s most recent project is its workforce training center in the village of Los Lunas. Goshorn said work on the center is progressing rapidly, with completion expected by the end of the year.
“They haven’t had as many problems with the supply chain as the others. While we were going through the design process, they kind of saw what was going on, so they bought the bundle of wood and RAKS kept it for us, ”he said.
Goshorn said the entrepreneur is confident the center will be finished in November, but said December was more realistic.
“If it’s done in November, that’s fine, but you know how the construction projects go,” he said with a chuckle. “At the moment, in January and the new semester, it’s as planned. “
The training center will offer courses and training focused on manufacturing and industry, such as computer-aided drafting and design, as well as general academics, such as business writing courses, Goshorn said.
“For the most part, this is really what industrial companies in the region need. Soft skills will be an important element, ”he said. “We will also have facilities for anyone who needs training. Imagine that a company launches a new software package or even a piece of equipment. Instead of figuring out how to send 30 people to Austin for this training, they can bring in the trainer and have the facilities and space they need.
“We are equipped and ready to go to both sites. It’s very exciting; we have made some impressive improvements.
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