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ollege students in Kokomo have probably noticed some changes to their college
campuses.
Both Ivy Tech Kokomo and Indiana University Kokomo completed construction
projects over the summer, and some areas are still under construction.
At Ivy Tech Kokomo, a section of classrooms was completed just before the start of school
in August. The classrooms used to have dividers that could separate rooms, but with the
construction, the rooms are now split up with walls. The classrooms also have new furniture
and information-technology stations for instructors.
The classrooms were part of a three-part construction process at the Ivy Tech campus. The
second phase of construction, which is underway right now, is focused on the science wing
of the campus and the student commons.
Once the work is completed, the campus will be able to offer some science classes it hasn’t
been able to in the past. These classes will help students transfer more easily from Ivy Tech to
four-year institutions, like IU Kokomo.
The renovated labs will be similar to science labs at other colleges. They’ll include work
stations and preparation areas for instructors. They’ll also include fume hoods, which will
allow classes to work safely with volatile chemicals.
Ethan Heicher, liberal arts and sciences dean, said the labs will allow students to experiment
in ways they haven’t been able to at the campus.
In the past, the campus was only able to offer generic science classes. The renovations will
allow the school to offer lab-intensive and major-specific classes, including sophomore level
chemistry and biology classes. The classes fit into the school’s T-SAP program, which allows
students to transfer credits from Ivy Tech to a four-year college seamlessly.
Construction work greets students of Kokomo colleges
Story by Caele Pemberton
