Next semester, students attending class in the new Ransdell College of Education Building will notice that their professors’ belongings and educational materials have made their way across the street from Tate Page Hall.

Two move-in dates are designated during winter break, one in December and one in January, said Ben Johnson, assistant director of Planning, Design and Construction.

Over these two dates, faculty and staff will have their items moved by professional movers, he said.

“We’ll provide moving materials and empty boxes to them,” Johnson said. “But they are responsible for packing their own personal effects.”

Johnson said it will be helpful that the building is receiving only new furnishings, so little to no furniture will be moved in the process.

Bryan Russell, director of Planning, Design and Construction, said 38 truckloads of furniture have started to be delivered for the new building. More will come during winter break.

Along with the materials for faculty and staff, an entire library – the Educational Resources Center – is also moving, Johnson said.

“This is obviously a big move, but we won’t know how big until all of the faculty and staff start to do so,” Johnson said. “We’re just kind of geared up for the worst and will be prepared for whatever comes.”

Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, said students in his department should see many differences in their learning environment.

Some of the rooms are specifically designed for classes that will occur in those rooms only, he said.

“There will be some students that will be in classes connected to clinics,” Evans said. “These clinics will either be in literacy, psychology or counseling. That clinic area is designed based on the fact that these folks will be involved in a clinical-type setting in their careers.”

The classrooms have the latest technology, which allows teaching to be more effective and efficient, he said.

Evans said students will also notice that almost every classroom has a window.

Planning for the $35 million building began in October 2007, according to agenda materials from the October Board of Regents meeting.

There is a lot of anticipation for the day it officially opens on Jan. 24, Johnson said.

“The faculty haven’t even been in there yet,” Johnson said. “I know folks are curious and are very excited. It’s all been a really positive thing. But we’ve still got a lot of work to do and don’t want to show it until it’s presentable.”