Rules governing the use of state funding has stressed operating and maintenance expenses for much of the university, leading to OSU’s current deferred maintenance backlog. However, OSU has a plan to tackle this serious problem.

For 2015-2017, the University was allocated $26 million to address critical renewal needs. The university prioritized projects, considering:

1. Is this project critical for a building to operate safely and for people to have access?
2. Will this project contribute to student, faculty and staff success?
3. Are there other matching funds available for this project?

John Gremmels, OSU’s Capital Planner, pointed out a few of the 2015-2017 capital renewal projects that are having the biggest impact on safety, success and sustainability on our campus over the next few years.

Updates to the Gilbert Hall auditoria (rooms 124 and 224) will be more comfortable for students taking Chemistry lab courses. “The rooms will see much-improved accessibility, better circulation for students and instructors, better climate control and new seats – a better student experience,” explained Gremmels. Work will begin this summer as soon as classes end, and the plan is to have the auditoria complete by the start of winter term 2019.

Roof replacement is big business during the summer in Oregon and OSU is no exception. Roofs on Agriculture and Life Sciences Building and Cordley and Burt Halls are due to be replaced before the fall term begins, checking off another big line item on the maintenance backlog.

Capital renewal happens off the Corvallis campus, too. The visitor center of Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport was renovated, including a new octopus lair.

University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations has published the list of 2015-2017 list of capital renewal projects to keep the university informed on its progress. With all this progress comes inevitable road closures and detours. Campus residents can find information on construction effects on campus at OSU Campus Closures, Shutdowns and Detours.