Plans to develop a proposal of a new science center and remodeling of outdated laboratories in Sequoia Hall were released during Sacramento State’s spring address.

Sequoia Hall, home of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department, has supplied students and faculty with resources for the past 40 years, said Mario Ruiz, interim associate vice president of Facilities Services.

Sac Stateand the California State University chancellor’s office began working on a proposal to submit to start planning for a new science center. The project will require approval and funding from the CSU Board of Trustees.

“The costs will be heavily dependent on the size of the Science Center, which is still being negotiated with the chancellor’s office,” said Victor Takahashi, director of Facilities Planning and Construction Services.

Updating to more modern technology will lower costs of the continual breakdown and repairs Sequoia Hall now faces, he said.

“Science is the future,” he said. “There is so much potential of new equipment and it is necessary to remove the outdated technology with modern technology to help build and grow programs within the science department at Sac State.”

With science equipment advancing, Ruiz said he believes it is important to provide students and faculty with updated resources to expand the science department and better equip the growing sciences field.

“It is necessary to give the best possible to the faculty and students at Sac State,” he said.

Joseph Sheley, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said he believes a new science center is a critical project for Sac State, its students and the region as a whole.

“Our university is a gateway for area students into science-related fields. The region itself is pledged to increase its STEM cell profile and the economic contribution of this vital development area,” he said. “Neither the students’ nor the region’s aspiration can be accomplished without contemporary science facilities on our campus.”

Sheley said building a new science center and remodeling Sac State’s current science department will allow students and faculty to grow in these specified areas and develop programs at Sac State like the nursing department.

While the proposal is still being developed by the chancellor’s office, Takahashi said he believes it is best to start planning now, considering the effort that goes into building a new science center and remodeling Sequoia Hall.

“Steps necessary to building a new science center is a team effort,” Ruiz said. “There are many aspects to providing a solid proposal. It is important to analyze the amount of spaces needed to build a new center, as well as how many labs, classrooms and offices needed for the building.”

Although these are only some of the important factors that must be considered, all must be taken into account with the recent budget cuts CSU campuses will be facing in the months to come, according to the Academic Affairs Office.

While the CSU budget cuts are still being worked out, planning of the new science center should begin soon, Takahashi said. It is best to plan now that we have the time.

“We must turn in our best project forward for this campus and be ready because CSU campuses are competing for funding,” Takahashi said. “The budget will determine the feasibility of a new science center as well the remodeling of Sequoia.”

Takahashi said it is important to position the project as best as we can to be able to implement building procedures as soon as possible.

“It is a priority for Sac State to build a new science center,” Ruiz said. “We will continue to fight for it. It’s going to happen, just a matter of time.”

Yvette Villasenor can be reached at [email protected]