Kevin Bartelt

I have mixed feelings about the campus construction this summer.

I’m excited because the bike paths, a renovated Stevens building and removing Douglas are huge steps in renovating the campus. NIU will look noticeably better in the upcoming months.

The end result of this construction will clearly help with recruitment and retention; however, it might affect orientation this summer. The tour guides probably do a wonderful job talking about how new it will look after its finished, but I’d imagine it would be difficult to recruit with construction on Normal Road, a torn down Stevens Annex and scaffoldings in front of DuSable Hall.

Frank Gogola

Whether it’s the sheer amount of vehicles or the speeding drivers on Normal Road by the Holmes Student Center, it’s already a hassle — and somewhat of a safety concern — to cross the congested roadway.

Moving the buses from the west side of the Holmes Student Center to the east side will only further crowd the street and make it take that much longer to cross the street. And the addition of buses could make pedestrian safety more of a concern.

The change in bus location is being done so students can walk across Carroll Avenue without worrying about the buses, but I’ve never had a problem there nor have I heard of any complaints.

Jackie Nevarez

After a walk around campus, it is evident NIU is planning serious construction for the fall.

I am especially excited about the bicycle paths. I don’t own a bike, nor have I ridden a bike in years, but I am a walker. I am a walker that is growing tired of dodging cyclists on the sidewalk. These paths are a great step in a safer for every student, faculty and staff member.

I am skeptic about the new bus system, however. I have never had much of an issue with the Huskie Bus System, except for the occasional overcrowding. I’m interested in seeing what difference is made by moving the buses to Normal Road, if any difference is made at all.

Rachel Scaman

I’m not a big fan of construction.

Construction causes traffic, it’s loud and it’s not pretty to look at. However, I think the construction NIU is having done now couldn’t of come at a better time.

With retention and enrollment issues, I’m glad NIU is taking steps towards improving the campus, even if they’re only small steps.

Summer is the perfect time to start on these projects. Classes won’t be interrupted and students won’t get in the way of the work.

Hopefully the construction will be finished by the time school is back in session. I look forward to how the campus will look once everything is done.