Since last July, a major renovation of the Research Building (S21-5) at the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences has been underway. The building, completed in 1981, is now over 40 years old. Users have persistently faced inconveniences such as corroded plumbing, faulty heating and cooling systems, and water leaks. These issues reached a point where emergency repairs alone were insufficient to maintain the facility.

  The project is planned to continue for one year, with completion scheduled for July 2026. While the building’s main frame will be preserved, the renovation involves a complete replacement of key infrastructure. This includes upgrading windows, adding insulation to improve energy performance, and waterproofing the roof.

  However, students are experiencing difficulties due to the construction and a lack of advance notice. Lee Sang-ki (Dept. of Animal Science, 21) commented, “With the existing student council room, department lounge, and some major-specific lecture halls closed in the absence of proper notice or alternatives due to the construction, there is no suitable place for student council meetings or club activities. It is also difficult to collaborate effectively on team projects due to a lack of meeting space.”

  In response, Choi Seong-ho, Dean of College of Agriculture, said, “Though there is currently no permanent temporary space, we are providing support by finding empty classrooms whenever students request a space for meetings or small group activities.” He added, “Furthermore, we have made student space a top priority in this renovation’s plan. Once completed, each floor will feature lounges and community areas where students can freely interact and relax.”

  Ahn Woo-rim (Dept. of Animal Science, 21) also pointed out, “The drill noise during class sometimes makes it difficult to hear the professor or disrupts presentations. Moreover, with some entrances closed and the landscaping unmanaged, students have to walk on the road, which is dangerous.”

  Shin Byeong-jae, an administrative officer from the Department of Facility Management explained that due to the project’s large scale, it cannot be completed solely during the vacation period. To reduce disruption, the team is scheduling noisy work on weekends and limiting access to only essential areas to ensure student safety. He added, “We appreciate your understanding and will continue working to minimize any inconvenience.”

  Dean Choi also urged, “Some access routes near the construction site have been closed for student safety, and we request that students use the designated detours, even if they are inconvenient. The unmanaged landscaping area is included in the renovation plan. We plan to clear old trees and create new landscaping in the final stages of the project, so we ask for your patience.”

  Regarding this, Dean Choi noted, “As far as I know, that alternative major-specific lecture rooms have been assigned for each department. However, the core of the issue seems to be the lack of 24 hours access at the time of exams.” He continued, “This is an issue that can be resolved at any time if the student council makes an official request. If students require it, I will take active measures to open these lecture rooms 24 hours a day.”

  Dean Choi concluded, “I deeply empathize with the difficulties students are currently facing. This project requires all members of the college to make sacrifices and endure for a better future. It is important that we understand each other and get through this period together. If we do, by next year we will have excellent facilities that we can all be proud of.”