A major shift is coming to the University of North Dakota (UND) campus, and it's all about accessibility and convenience! The UND Bookstore is on the move, and its new location will be a game-changer for students, families, and visitors alike.
Currently situated north of campus, the bookstore has been a bit off the beaten path, making it less accessible and convenient for those who need it most. But here's where it gets controversial: its current location has also been a potential hindrance to sales, with some questioning its placement during campus tours.
Vice President for Finance and Operations, Karla Mongeon-Stewart, explains the reasoning behind the move: "We're thrilled to bring the bookstore right into the heart of campus. Its current location is a bit out of the way, and we want to ensure it's easily accessible for everyone, especially families and students."
The new location, the Fieldhouse at Memorial Village, will not only make the bookstore more visible and convenient but will also provide a much-needed boost in exposure for UND gear and merchandise. And this is the part most people miss: the move is part of a larger trend in higher education, where class materials are increasingly going digital, and students are opting to rent books.
Mongeon-Stewart adds, "The current bookstore building is significantly oversized for our needs. By relocating, we can free up this space for the Department of Biomedical Engineering, who require wide-open areas for their work."
The move is scheduled for late May, with the hope of opening the new Follett store early in the summer. This transition is just one of many changes happening on campus as Columbia Hall prepares for demolition. Other departments and offices are also on the move, with renovations and updates taking place across various buildings to accommodate these shifts.
Additionally, the first phase of the new STEM Complex is set to begin this spring, following the demolition of the Hyslop Sports Center last fall. This construction project will bring increased truck activity to the area, with Cornell Street and Second Avenue North experiencing additional congestion.
"We want to ensure everyone is aware of the increased truck traffic and potential congestion in that area," says Brian Larson, Director of Construction Management. "It's going to be a busy time for the city, and we'll need to find alternative routes to and from campus."
The construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the building opening for classes in fall 2028. Other projects on campus include roof replacements, HVAC and elevator updates, classroom improvements, and the replacement of the Fox Memorial Bridge and a portion of West Centennial Road.
UND's campus is undergoing a significant transformation, and these changes will undoubtedly shape the student experience for years to come. What do you think about these campus developments? Do you agree that the bookstore's move will enhance the student experience, or do you have a different perspective? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
