Campus Modifications Project WHITEHEAD RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATE THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2016 Work on the Whitehead Building is progressing on schedule. Construction on the Data Center (Phase 1) should be completed by mid-December. Its scope is to relocate the IT server room from the upper floor to the new Data Center on the ground level. Relocating the IT Data Center meets the following UAS Planning Principles: • Planning Principle 1: Use space more efficiently • Planning Principle 5: Enhance the function of all spaces The new Data Center has a smaller efficient footprint and results in sufficient space on the upper level for Arts and Sciences faculty offices, a conference room and a student gathering space which connects to Soboleff through a glass enclosed interior corridor. New IT Data Center: As in life, everything is interconnected when change happens; moving the Server Room to the new Data Center is no exception. Moving the main campus server is governed by precise contractual requirements resulting in NO downtime to our connectivity during the semester and to minimize any downtime to network system overall during the transition. Coordinating construction in accordance with UAS requirements has been an exercise in careful scheduling, day to day planning (sometimes in hours) and continual troubleshooting. All electrical, fiber transitions and routing, mechanical room cooling, fire suppression systems, controls, raised flooring and other finishes need to be complete and approved by UAS before we begin transition to the Data Center in mid-December. This week, testing and commissioning is planned for the fire suppression system, a dry system that requires an air tight room. Next week, a specially designed water protective system will be installed above the data racks as an extra level of protection in the event a fire in one of the upper floor offices sets off sprinklers causing leaks to the ground level. Data racks will be placed next week too, which will house the main fiber connections for our campus and our connection to statewide network. The cable tray (for data wires and lighting will be placed below the racks. IT in conjunction with statewide is scheduled to move their equipment from the current server room to the new Data Center during winter break for a seamless transition; the new Data Center will be up and running by the time everyone returns in January. Walkway Closure: An element of the construction contract is to turn over the building, associated walkways and parking to the contractor to perform their work. UAS has required the contractor provide insurance coverage to the spaces that fall under the contract. Although not in the contract, we initially asked the contractor to keep the walkways open as long as possible, but due to work progressing on the connecting corridor between Soboleff and Whitehead, the walkways will remain fully closed for several months as work is performed. Materials will be stored on the walkways as well as ongoing construction activities. “NO ENTRY” signs have been posted. With the shorter colder days, we realize its tempting to disregard the signage; however we ask and appreciate that you be respectful of posted signage as they are there for safety considerations. We will request usage of the pathways as soon as possible. What’s Next: After IT transitions the campus network to the new Data Center, the old server room will be demolished; and you will probably see a lot more progress; new triple pane energy efficient windows will be installed, the roof will be replaced and interior work will start to take shape. The following photos show work in progress for the past several months: Demolition upper level in July Demolition-previously the old help desk area. Demolition – server room remains intact and operational until it transitions to the new Data Center in December