<p>With modern labs, flexible classrooms, open architecture etc "the Bridge" appears to be an exciting project. Does anyone know about its construction timeline to completion and installation?</p>
<p>Also what does it represent in terms of budget compared to the huge Vassar 150 initiative which, I understand, is targeted to attain $400M in new investments?</p>
<p>What are the significant challenges Vassar science departments are currently facing with their present facilities and research capabilities? (Particularly interested in biological sciences)</p>
<p>I hope my questions are not too detailed.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>My understanding is that the new science building won’t be complete til fall of 2015. They were just starting working on foundations when we visited last month.</p>
<p>Thanks… Which college did you end up choosing? Was strength in sciences an important consideration for you? </p>
<p>(Maybe the lack of interest/enthusiasm in this subject on CC highlights the secondary role sciences play at Vassar for a more arts oriented student body and prospective students)</p>
<p>We were at Vassar this week and work is progressing rapidly preparing the site for the new science building. There is lots of excitement at Vassar about the new science center. The sciences are strong at Vassar - and respected in academia and industry. S1 took a 300 level engineering course at a local university last summer with no other engineering prerequisite courses and aced the class. Vassar gave him the theoretical foundation to succeed in that class. Also, S1 was recently accepted at a top university for a graduate program in science. Another of his ‘science major’ friends is attending a different top grad school for science. Additionally, S1 had several science internship possibilities/intern job offers with industry this summer due to the ‘reputation’ of Vassar. There is lots of personal attention in the sciences at Vassar and yes, it is not for everyone, but works well if that is the atmosphere you seek.
I hope this helps.</p>
<p>Thanks for your encouraging feedback, chemusic. It was definitely helpful. I cant imagine anyone really serious about science education who would not be excited about personal attention and scrutiny by a strong faculty as well as productivity and graduate perspectives that are improved by that.</p>
<p>Did you get any indication on the target inauguration date for the ISC? Also is it supposed bring any specific new field or capabilities of research, beyond allowing a seemingly wonderful work environment and extra space</p>
<p>I have not heard a definite target date for the new science center. The building will actually be a bridge spanning Fonteyne Kill (River) so the site prep is extremely complex for many reasons including ecological and structural etc. I would guess it would be ready for fall 2014 but that is just a guess. There is a whole series of renovations on existing Vassar buildings also associated with the project.</p>
<p>Graduation was Sunday in the natural amphitheater on the side of the hill overlooking Sunset Lake. It was a beautiful setting and just wonderful. Vassar traditions are a big part of graduation as traditions are very important and significant at Vassar. </p>
<p>I hope you can visit sometime so you can see if Vassar is for you. It will also give you the opportunity to meet faculty in your areas of interest and see the building in process.</p>