MCC plans to expand science classrooms, labs

McHenry County College officials plan to spend nearly $17 million to expand science classrooms and labs at the college's Crystal Lake campus.

The college board last week approved a construction plan calling for a 31,670 square-foot, two-story building adjacent to Building E that will include labs for science work, a cadaver lab, student resource lab, a lecture hall, two prep rooms and a planetarium.

The $16.8 million project cost will be paid for through a combination of fundraising, college funds and student fees. Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and continue into 2018.

The expansion will provide modern facilities and tools needed to support the college's existing science programs, including engineering and other health careers, such as nursing, occupational therapy, health information technology, emergency medical technician, basic nursing assistant, patient care technician, and physical therapist assistant — a new degree program starting in 2017.

“We have far extended the life span of our existing labs and must have lab space in place that appropriately reflects the quality of MCC's programs,” board Chairman Mike Smith said.

MCC's existing science classrooms and labs housed 2,643 students, including those completing prerequisites for transfer and health career programs, as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) degrees.

Officials determined the existing science lab space is undersized and poorly configured for preparation and storage based on a space utilization study conducted last year, and after discussions with key academic program experts.

Currently, students cannot work as partners or in groups for science experiments, and faculty cannot easily circulate through the rooms to evaluate student learning. Existing labs also are not accessible for people with disabilities.

“The college exists to serve the community and should always reflect the best that our community has to offer to the future professionals who will live and work here,” MCC President Clint Gabbard said. “Ultimately, this project will positively impact the level of success that our students achieve in the classroom, which directly supports our mission.”