September 19-20, 2002

ITEM 116-1001-R0902   Temporary Research Labs, Division of Biological Sciences; The University of Montana - Missoula

THAT: Consistent with the provisions of MCA 18-2-102, the Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes The University of Montana to implement steps necessary to construct temporary lab facilities for research activities for the Division of Biological Sciences. Indirect costs from research grants will fund this project at an estimated cost of $700,000.

EXPLANATION: The proposed new building would accommodate growth in research programs in the Division of Biological Sciences (DBS), to meet space needs of both replacement and new faculty and their students.  Space needs of the most recent faculty hires have been addressed by compressing other research programs, and by converting instructional space.  These solutions are no longer possible without seriously damaging other ongoing research or instructional offerings in biology and microbiology.  DBS is one of the leading units at UM in competitive external grant awards, and provides research experiences and programs for growing numbers of students at all levels from the undergraduate to the doctoral.  New space is needed to sustain the vitality of our academic programs in the biological sciences.