Illinois Valley Community College is currently undergoing renovations that will modernize classrooms, improve student learning spaces, and make the campus easier to navigate IVCC President Tracy Morris stated during a recent campus construction walkthrough.
From building renumbering to classroom upgrades, Morris indicates that the goal of the construction is to create a more welcoming and functional campus that focuses on student success.
“I’m hoping that people will see it not as an inconvenience, but once we start opening these spaces up, they’ll be like, wow, they really do care about us, and they are investing in the campus,” Morris states, “That’s kind of the message I hope it is, versus, you know, it’s dirty and dusty and gross. We’re trying really hard not to let that be the case.”
What’s Coming
Upcoming improvements will include a new assessment center, lighting upgrades, repainting and renumbering of the buildings, and upgraded classrooms. The new and improved assessment center will provide private, more comfortable environments for placement testing, certification exams, or classroom tests. There will even be rooms designated for those who need, or prefer, to test privately.
“If you build spaces that are inclusive for those who need it for a physical challenge or for a learning challenge, that makes everybody better and gives everybody that opportunity,” Morris said.
Classrooms around campus are being renovated to include dual monitors, cameras and microphones for virtual or hybrid learning, updated lighting, and furniture that will be movable for flexible teaching styles, accessibility inclusivity, and collaborative work. Morris emphasized that the updates being made are not only to enhance the appearance of the campus, but the functionality as well.
“We know we have great faculty. We know we have great students. They should be in a facility that represents that.”
To help the campus be more navigable, building and classroom numbers are also being updated with a better system. Some walls will even be repainted with anchor colors, so it’s easy to identify which building you are in from just looking at it.
Student Focused Vision
The heart of the renovation is clear that its commitment is to the student population. There will be upgraded lounges and gathering places to be more welcoming and comfortable. This way, students feel like staying on campus longer, whether it’s to study, hang out with friends, or just have a quiet moment to themselves.
“We’re investing in you, and we’re investing in the future of the college,” she stated.
Morris highlighted that while the construction is a temporary inconvenience, the end result will outweigh any of it, “You can’t wait until the end. You need to do a little bit all the time.”
“It’s all a big dance, and our construction people have done a really good job.”
The President’s Dedication
President Morris, who is passionate about community colleges, showed her dedication for her team and the mission of institutions like Illinois Valley Community College.
“I didn’t want to work anywhere other than a junior college or community college… We serve students differently, and I think it’s what makes this so awesome.”
She also acknowledged how amazing her staff and faculty have been throughout this whole process, “My facilities team is very tired, but they’re doing a really good job. They’re doing amazing keeping up with it all.”
Looking Ahead
This renovation is more than just making the college look pretty. It shows IVCC’s commitment to not only its students, but its staff and the community as well. Improved classrooms, better inclusivity, and spaces designed for engagement and comfort; the campus is being made into a space that will support learning in a modern, meaningful way for years to come.
“I really hope that they feel that this is a college, and we are glad that you’re here.”