Farmingdale State College undergoes major construction, possibly impacting student life

By Julia Durutovic

NEW YORK – Farmingdale State College is undergoing a series of construction projects aimed to enhance campus and accommodate its growing student population. These renovations and new building developments are expected to modernize spaces, improve infrastructure, and create a more engaging campus experience. However, to some students, this serves as a disruption to daily student life, with noise, detours, and temporary relocations affecting the overall learning environment of FSC. 

One significant project on campus is the partial renovation of the university police headquarters (FSC Project No. 2023-06). This renovation will convert an existing 1,000-square-foot greenhouse into an emergency response center, and a separate 500-square-foot storage building will be constructed adjacent to the current structure. These upgrades aim to strengthen campus security however the ongoing construction during the fall and spring semesters causes inconveniences to students due to the noise and restricted walkways. This project is expected to be completed at some point in 2025. 

FSC is working to enhance campus aesthetics and accessibility through the site infrastructure phase four project (FSC Project No. 2023-05). This project includes replacing walkways, curbs, and lighting. While students will ultimately benefit from a safer and more visually appealing campus, many of the current students will not be here to see the improvements in their time as students at FSC. Temporary closures of walkways have contributed to longer commutes between buildings, as well as an overfill of cars parked in specific lots. 

Campus Commons is being upgraded to house human resources and procurement offices. Renovations include installing a new HVAC system and enhancing the surrounding landscape. Similarly, Sinclair Hall is involved in extensive renovation and upgrades to the building. There will be a complete renovation to accommodate the growing number of students and their needs. This renovation however is projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, so the renovations are quite lengthy. 

These construction projects highlight FSC’s dedication to improving its campus infrastructure to better serve students. However, they also present real, short-term challenges. Many students are found adjusting their routines and taking classes in buildings that do not serve their major’s needs. 

Each of these projects is a key piece in the bigger picture of making FSC’s campus more student-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. FSC is ensuring that future students will have access to modernized classrooms, a safe and secure campus, and an overall better learning experience. 

Despite the temporary inconveniences the construction poses to students and their daily academic lives, these projects will ultimately transform FSC into a better and more engaging campus. These projects are paving the way for the future of higher education at Farmingdale, although they may cause issues and inconveniences now for students, the university is hopeful that it will be worth it in the long run.