Before . . .
Before the remodel began, the Nutrition/Dietetics Program had access to one inadequately equipped laboratory and adjacent classroom for all food-related course work. Existing food preparation equipment was out -of-date and below standards for basic food safety. The counters, sinks and applicances were over 30 years old and were in disrepair. The placement of the long counters that backed up directly to the wall did not allow freedom of movement. The students were crowded together in narrow aisles while they were handling kitchen equipment. The layout of the room prevented wheelchair access, and was not compliant with ADA standards. The laboratory was only suitable for a maximum of 16 students, which caused a hardship for students who needed this course for graduation.
. . . During . . .
The remodel began in June 2006. The process involved the removal of all the old equipment and the total gutting of the room, including removal of non-compliant materials (acoustical tiles on the ceiling.) New electrical, ventilation and plumbing systems were installed. Free-standing units were custom built to make the layout of the room convenient, safe and wheel chair accessible. The remodel revealed additional issues involved in bringing the laboratory up to code which were not projected in the original USDA budget. The University of New Mexico College of Education contributed additional funding to assist in bringing the laboratory up to code.
. . . After!
The remodel of the Food Science Laboratory was completed in January 2007. The refurbished laboratory was first used in Spring Semester 2007 for 22 students in the Principles of Food Science course. Previous to the remodel, the maximum number of students that the laboratory could accomodate was 16. In Spring 2008, 26 students took this course and in Spring 2009, 32 students, the maximum number projected by the project. The remodel has allowed twice as many students to take this required course and to comlete their degrees in a timely manner. A grand opening of the laboratory was held on March 21, 2007 that showcased the renovated space and new equipment. The opening reception was attended by 50 students, faculty and Advisory Commitee members.
Before . . .
Before the remodel began, the Nutrition/Dietetics Program had access to one inadequately equipped laboratory and adjacent classroom for all food-related course work. Existing food preparation equipment was out -of-date and below standards for basic food safety. The counters, sinks and applicances were over 30 years old and were in disrepair. The placement of the long counters that backed up directly to the wall did not allow freedom of movement. The students were crowded together in narrow aisles while they were handling kitchen equipment. The layout of the room prevented wheelchair access, and was not compliant with ADA standards. The laboratory was only suitable for a maximum of 16 students, which caused a hardship for students who needed this course for graduation.
. . . During . . .
The remodel began in June 2006. The process involved the removal of all the old equipment and the total gutting of the room, including removal of non-compliant materials (acoustical tiles on the ceiling.) New electrical, ventilation and plumbing systems were installed. Free-standing units were custom built to make the layout of the room convenient, safe and wheel chair accessible. The remodel revealed additional issues involved in bringing the laboratory up to code which were not projected in the original USDA budget. The University of New Mexico College of Education contributed additional funding to assist in bringing the laboratory up to code.
. . . After!
The remodel of the Food Science Laboratory was completed in January 2007. The refurbished laboratory was first used in Spring Semester 2007 for 22 students in the Principles of Food Science course. Previous to the remodel, the maximum number of students that the laboratory could accomodate was 16. In Spring 2008, 26 students took this course and in Spring 2009, 32 students, the maximum number projected by the project. The remodel has allowed twice as many students to take this required course and to comlete their degrees in a timely manner. A grand opening of the laboratory was held on March 21, 2007 that showcased the renovated space and new equipment. The opening reception was attended by 50 students, faculty and Advisory Commitee members.