blog posts

• August 25th Update: Final blog post

  Aug 25, 2021 1:15 pm355 views

  This will be the final blog post regarding the building project, as our School transitions from planning to executing the moving process. From this point forward, the blog will be replaced by direct communication from Tad Schroeder, or when needed, Cindy Ashwill. The blog will continue to be available for your reference and will serve as a useful archive of information regarding the project.

  The 4th and 5th floors in the new building are ready for occupancy. The moving process for the 4th floor will begin on September 1 with the 5th floor to follow on September 13. The plan is to complete all moves by September 17. You can expect to receive a message from Tad soon with detailed information regarding moving plans, and you will be notified individually when your office is ready for use.

  The space team would like to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this project, especially Brian Bundren, associate director for capital planning, and the entire team in the Office of the Provost. In addition to the involvement of the members of the space team listed below, Jen Anderson, Alaine Martaus, and Emily Volk have been key to accomplishing furniture ordering and the placement of faculty, staff, and students into offices and research spaces, and Lara Orr has led the ongoing development and implementation of art and graphic design in new spaces. Special thanks are extended to iSchool faculty and staff for their patience, feedback, and enthusiasm. We look forward to this important expansion of our School, which will better serve our needs and raise visibility on campus for our teaching, research, and engagement.

  iSchool Space Team
  Lisa Bievenue
  Stephen Downie
  Meg Edwards
  Christine Hopper
  Emily Knox
  Moises Orozco Villicana
  Brynnen Owen
  Tad Schroeder
  Linda Smith

• August 6th Update: Moving schedule

  Aug 6, 2021 5:45 pm142 views

  Plans are on track to begin moving faculty and staff to the Hub Champaign Daniel building after September 1. For those who have packed their offices, your efforts are greatly appreciated. Those who have not packed should plan to be finished by August 25. If you have special circumstances or experience difficulties, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu or directly contact Tad and Jen, who will be happy to provide assistance.

  Moving will begin with the 4th floor. Individuals to be moved include faculty with assigned offices and those located in leased space on Green Street as well as Informatics, Information Technology, Recruitment and Admissions, Student Affairs. Within several days after the 4th floor is settled, occupants will be moved into the 5th floor.

  Each individual will be provided with both card and key access. Printers, copiers, and office supplies will be readily available at the time of occupancy. In addition, basic signage will be installed with plans for expansion throughout the fall semester.

  On Monday, August 9, Tad and the architect will complete a final walkthrough to check the functionality and aesthetics of the new space and to ensure that work has been done according to our School’s expectations.

  A selection of recent photos taken on the 4th floor is linked below. Thanks to Melissa Newell for her willingness to share these photos, which showcase the new spaces:

  • Exterior 1
  • Exterior 2
  • Elevator entry
  • 4th floor reception
  • Help Desk
  • Conference room
  • Copy room
  • Student support and tutoring space
  • Research space
  • Café 1
  • Café 2
  • Open event space

  We look forward to a successful transition into the new space and the opportunity to expand our presence on campus, which will allow us to continue to support the innovative and collaborative culture of our iSchool community.

  If you have any questions, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• July 15th Update: Recent photos

  Jul 15, 2021 4:15 pm208 views

  As the new building nears completion, the space team would like to share a selection of recent photos to show progress to date. These photos highlight the exterior and the following areas on the fourth floor:

  • Building exterior
  • Cafe
  • Entrance
  • Hallway
  • Help Desk
  • Lab space
  • Open event space
  • Student academic support and tutoring space

  As a reminder, Tad is offering Zoom drop-in sessions this month to share updates and answer questions you may have. These sessions are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. You may join by clicking on the following link during the designated times:

  • Building Discussions – Drop-In Sessions (Meeting ID: 884 4332 9121; Password: 228343).

  The space team appreciates the efforts of our iSchool community to successfully transition to new spaces at the Hub Champaign Daniel building and within our current building. If you have any questions or need assistance with the moving process, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• July 7th Update: Moving plans

  Jul 7, 2021 8:45 am159 views

  The space team is currently gathering moving supplies, which will be placed in individual offices as well as in Room 109 for general availability. If you need supplies that aren’t available, please contact Tad Schroeder at building@support.ischool.illinois.edu. The expectation is that faculty and staff will pack their own offices, but anyone who needs assistance should email Tad to receive the necessary support.

  This month, Tad will offer Zoom drop-in sessions to provide information and answer questions. These sessions will be held on every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. You may join by clicking on the following link during the designated times:

  • Building Discussions – Drop-In Sessions (Meeting ID: 884 4332 9121; Password: 228343).

  Assuming there are no delays in the completion of the new building, the move-in process could begin as early as September. The space team and administration appreciate the ongoing patience and understanding of our faculty, staff, and students as plans proceed and the iSchool becomes settled in both buildings.

  If you have questions for the space team, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• June 4th Update

  Jun 4, 2021 1:45 pm207 views

  The space team has created a checklist to manage the process for moving faculty and staff into the new building and within our existing building. If you are planning to move, you can expect to receive an informational email, including a questionnaire with the checklist. Please complete and submit the questionnaire within the requested timeframe to allow for efficient planning. Be sure to include comments regarding any matters that are not addressed in the questionnaire, which will assist the space team in addressing individual circumstances that may be shared by others.

  During the month of July, Tad Schroeder will offer Zoom drop-in sessions to provide information and answer questions. These sessions will be held on every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Please check your email for the Zoom invitation for the series.

  The estimated timeline for completion of the new building is the end of August. Assuming there are no unanticipated construction delays, the move-in process could begin as early as September. At that time, the new spaces will be functional with opportunities for enhancements based on the preferences of faculty and staff as they become settled. New photos taken this month show progress in areas including the front lobby, corner and front entrances, help desk, and office spaces.

  The space team looks forward to continued collaboration with faculty and staff as plans for the move into new locations take shape. If you have any questions, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• May 14th Update

  May 14, 2021 1:45 pm157 views

  The space team is focusing on plans for the move-in process, which will occur after new furniture for the 4th and 5th floors has been installed in the new building. The current timeline for completion of this work is the end of August. Thereafter, personal effects may be transferred, but occupancy by faculty and staff cannot occur until after inspections have been conducted and a certificate of occupancy has been received.

  A checklist and guidelines will be created to manage the transition for those moving into the new building as well as for those moving to new locations in our current building. Feedback regarding individual circumstances and unit preferences will be gathered from faculty, staff, and iSchool managers, and moving assistance will be provided as needed on a case-by-case basis. In addition, Zoom sessions will be implemented in the near future to assist with the planning process.

  While moving can be stressful, the space team and iSchool managers will be working to provide the support needed to facilitate each person's move. Despite any short-term disruptions, we can look forward to the long-term gains offered by expanded spaces for individual and group work, which will benefit our students, faculty, and staff. In addition, this expansion will raise our School’s visibility on campus, reflecting the importance of our work and contributions.

  Thank you for your ongoing feedback and patience. If you have any questions, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• April 29th Update

  Apr 29, 2021 11:45 am224 views

  Plans for the new building continue according to schedule. Furniture is expected to arrive in June, and installation is anticipated in July with move-in occurring thereafter. The entire project is slated to be finished in August.

  The space team will support the needs of our faculty and staff with regard to the implementation of occupancy plans. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with each iSchool manager, considering the unique circumstances of each employee and unit within the School.

  As the project nears completion, various operational tasks will need to be coordinated. Please keep in mind that the space team and Dean Santos are committed to creating work environments that are safe as well as conducive to productivity, while supporting the individual needs of our faculty and staff.

  If you have any questions, please email newbuilding@ischool.illinois.edu.

• April 13th Update

  Apr 13, 2021 3:30 pm160 views

  This post shares the current status of space planning, which represents a milestone in the building project as attention turns toward the final phase of completion.

• March 27th Update

  Mar 27, 2021 1:00 pm282 views

  This blog post provides updates regarding occupancy plans and furniture packages, sharing renderings of office spaces, Help Desk views, and collaboration areas.

• March 9th Update

  Mar 9, 2021 10:00 am356 views

  The current blog post outlines design considerations and shares illustrations of furniture layout, interior views, and the exterior facade.

• February 19th Update

  Feb 19, 2021 12:30 pm285 views

  The latest blog entry for the Hub Champaign Daniel Building Project includes illustrations of furniture selections, images of fabrics and finishes for workstations and chairs, and photos from the most recent walkthrough of the construction site. 

• February 12th Update

  Feb 12, 2021 10:30 am332 views

  The latest update on the Hub Champaign Daniel Building Project, which includes new photos of the construction site, is now available.

• January 19th Update

  Jan 19, 2021 2:30 pm164 views

  The new Hub Champaign Daniel Building Project Blog provides periodic updates about the new building at 6th and Daniel Streets, in which the iSchool will occupy the 4th and 5th floors. This initial post outlines process, plans, and progress to date.