Trustees approve request to fund Dreiser Hall renovations

The Indiana State University Board of Trustees approved Friday the 2019-21 biennial state budget request at an open session of the board's annual retreat.

An $18.4 million renovation of Dreiser Hall is proposed to replace obsolete mechanical and electrical systems, improve accessibility in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, repair exterior building components and enhance learning. The recommendation would be the second phase of renovations to academic classroom facilities including the Fine Arts and Commerce Building (to be completed summer 2019).

The university is also requesting a 2.5 percent increase from the 2018-19 levels for three line-item appropriations: Degree Link ($457,600), Nursing Program ($209,100) and the Indiana Principal Leadership Institute ($615,000).

Dreiser Hall was built in 1950 as the Mathematics and Communications Classroom Building. It provides space for College of Arts and Science programs including communication classes and services, Student Media and a 255-seat theater. Several distance education classrooms are also located in the building.

The request for funding of capital projects, line-item request and other supplementary budget materials is due to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Agency by Sept. 10.

The next scheduled board meeting is Oct. 12.

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Media Contact: Libby Roerig, director of communications and media relations, University Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3790 or libby.roerig@indstate.edu