A lonesome college campus in Huntington County seems quiet due to the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders, but it does not mean a stop to the HUB construction.

By Laura Caicedo, Staff Writer

Huntington University has gone through a lot lately: classes moving to online Zoom meetings, faculty changing syllabi to fit their new classrooms, administration planning refunds for food and accommodation, and the cancellation or rescheduling of sports, major events, and other extracurricular activities. But one thing that is moving forward as planned is the HUB construction.

“We have selected a contractor to work with: Fetters Construction,” said Russ Degitz in an email interview.

With demolition starting Monday, April 6, HU is still aiming to complete its intended HUB plan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, although they have faced some setbacks like extra safety planning for workers and a delay in some permit approval with local and state officials, said Degitz.

The construction workers are still able to do their job even during stay-at-home orders issued by the state of Indiana.

“The contractors will be conscientious to not enter campus buildings and limit their access points to the HUB when entering/leaving campus,” said Degitz.

Hardy Hall has been put out of commission for the entirety of the 2020-2021 academic year, said president Emberton in an email sent to all students on April 3. This decision was based on limiting the disruption of student life and keeping everyone safe while at the same time making use of Hardy’s parking lot for construction purposes. 

After the news got out, Hardy Hall residents used their social media platforms as a means to show their disagreement. Through a Change.org petition, with 416 out of 500 signatures, they ask for the dorm to remain open next school year.

“The email we received regarding the closing of Hardy Hall talks about disruption, when on the contrary, closing Hardy Hall is greatly disruptive for all of the residents, especially our incoming seniors,” typed Sydney Geiger in petition. She is one of many Hardy Hall residents that oppose to its closing and the person who started the petition.

The timeline that HU has set for the construction of the HUB is still in place with its anticipated completion being at the end of the fall semester.