Editors from the Herald met with the university’s administrative council today to discuss a variety of topics including campus construction and President Gary Ransdell’s final months at WKU.

1. Updates to Parking Structure 3

Bryan Russell, chief facilities officer, said two construction projects are slated to be completed this year. Construction on Parking Structure 3 will be completed no later than this September, while Ogden College Hall’s construction is scheduled to end this December. He said an additional floor has been added to construction plans for PS3.

An extra floor will be added to Parking Structure 3, said Bryan Russell. He approximates in August or September 2017 it will be complete.

2. Hilltopper Hall anticipated move in fall 2018

Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Kuster said progress has been made on the new Hilltopper Hall. The residence hall will be located in the Valley. Kuster said current plans show the residence hall being completed in time for students to move in for the fall 2018 semester. The addition of Hilltopper Hall is part of Housing and Residence Life’s ten-year housing plan.

— WKU Herald (@wkuherald) January 18, 2017

3. Search for Chief of Police

Kuster also discussed the ongoing search for WKU’s new chief of police. The university has two forums planned this February where students, faculty and staff will be invited to give feedback about qualities they want in the new police chief.

“What we’re looking for is what the community is looking for,” Kuster said.

“What we’re looking for the is what the community is looking for” in a new Chief of Police for WKUPD, said Brian Kuster.

— WKU Herald (@wkuherald) January 18, 2017

4. Medical Center hiring staff

Provost David Lee answered questions about a branch of the University of Kentucky’s medical school that will open in Bowling Green. He said they are currently looking at hiring staff. Current plans show the school accepting its first students in fall 2018.

5. Ransdell’s priorities for final semester

Ransdell took time to list his priorities for his final five months as president. He will step down as the university’s president on June 30. During his remaining time here, Ransdell said he hopes to secure a new dining contract and see the start of renovations to the Garrett Conference Center. He also wants to continue to work on higher education funding with the state legislature.

A dining contract, construction projects, a new budget, higher education funding and fundraising are priorities for Ransdell this Spring.

— WKU Herald (@wkuherald) January 18, 2017

“We’ll see what the future holds,” Ransdell said.