Construction should begin within a few weeks on the new $9 million addition to the University Library, and plans have been unveiled for a new campus transportation system.

USA President Gordon Moulton announced the news to University faculty members at his fall “State of the University” address Nov. 13 at USA’s Student Center Ballroom, where he also reviewed changes in the USA Health System.

Faculty saw the latest architectural plans for the dramatic four-story addition to the north side of the library, which will increase the building’s size from 78,000 to nearly 132,000 square feet, providing more room for collections, reference services and bibliographic instruction. The addition, which will also ease access to the building, is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2003.

Moulton said the federally funded campus transit system will feature low-emission trams following routes designed to efficiently transport students and employees while reducing the gridlock that occurs during class changes.

“This will be another improvement in student life,” Moulton said, adding that jogging and bicyling paths are also planned.

The president discussed the changes to the University’s health plan, noting that the premiums have not gone up in ten years and remain lower than USA’s in-state peer universities. He added that the newly selected plan administrator, BlueCross Blue Shield, has greater purchasing power for medical care and should save the University money, and he encouraged all USA employees to use University physicians, hospitals and clinics.

“It will cost you less, and cost the University less,” Moulton said.

Moulton also recognized…

• Faculty and students for their positive contributions in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America.
  
• USA’s record as the fastest growing university in the state of Alabama in the last two years, with USA’s largest-ever freshman classes and rising ACT scores.
  
• USA’s employees and students for “going the extra mile” during a challenging budget year and cautioned that USA will have to “be conservative” again this fiscal year.
  
• Total sponsored program awards for FY2001 top $35.5 million, a record. This represents a one-year increase of 17 percent, from $30.3 million in 2000, and a three-year increase of 42 percent, up from $25 million in 1998.
  
• Record federal appropriations topping $11 million, up from zero in 1998.
  
• An aggressive search is ongoing for a development director.

Moulton also congratulated the medical faculty on the improving USA Health System. “We’re returning rapidly to financial stability,” Moulton said. “Our hospitals have had a great year, and I attribute this to good customer service.” He added that the new USA Cancer Institute “is coming to fruition, and we will be making numerous improvements in Knollwood Hospital over the next six months to provide additional patient services there.”