In his spring address Jan. 24, President Gonzales unveiled an exciting new master plan for revamping the university to add new student housing, restaurants, shops and an events center. While it was a rousing speech, we can only hope these plans become reality.

The plan is part of an effort to provide, “a modern educational experience, with learning spaces indoors and out, in both formal and informal settings,” Gonzalez said.

This is a nice effort to make Sacramento State less of a commuter school. Sac State has been trying to distance itself from the commuter school tag for a while now, but much hasn’t been done to change that.

However, with the recent opening of The Well, maybe new living spaces can happen. The Well certainly attracts new students because of its state-of-the-art design and amenities. So we hope to see that same dedication and effort put towards campus living. 

Gonzales said part of the plan would address the south end of campus near Hornet Stadium, the part of campus that is highly visible from Highway 50. This will do great to put Sac State in the viewing eye. 

Among the plans is a new science complex that reflects the excellence of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program, known as STEM. This is a major component of another strategic planning effort that is underway.

Hopefully this comes true. Sequoia Hall was built in 1967 and is in need of revamping. If we as a university are going to go more in-depth in terms of creating a stronger science program, we need a new place of study. A building more than 40 years old is not going to cut it.  

The president’s plan looks to be promising in that will enrich the lives of the student body and can assert “the University’s face to the world.” There is a lot coming for Sac State in the future but again we can only hope. Making the campus more beautiful is always well and good, but the core of what makes a good university is the academics.

We can all agree campus could use a new look, but if there is no substance within, then looks mean nothing. Classes from all majors are still getting cut and that is where the help should go first.

More and more majors are getting impacted and are starting to lose classes. If Gonzalez wants to help – and there is no denying he wants to – then start by putting the money back into education. Having new buildings does help, but if there are no teachers or classes to have them in, they become a waste.

After years of budget cuts and losses, there is no easy fix. The president’s plan has promise and hopefully it’s the start Sac State needs to get ahead.