Harrelson Hall occupants are still awaiting the completion of the new Mathematics and Statistics building, which is expected to be completed in the spring and hold its first classes next fall, according to Michael Shearer, professor in mathematics.

“We are excited to move in,” he said. “We are making plans to move in over spring break of next year.”

Shearer also said the Department of Mathematics is in the midst of planning a mathematics conference for April.

Although the State Legislative Education Bond Issue, approved in 2000, provided much of the funding for the new building, the University also received a large private donation, Shearer said.

Clancy and They’s Construction Company is completing construction and live images of the building are available on its Web site.

Construction of the building began when Harrelson Hall, the current Mathematics building was found unable to be renovated to meet the standards of the American with Disabilities act of 1990, due to its unusual shape.

Harrelson Hall was built in 1961 in honor of John William Harrelson, a former Professor and Head of the Department of Mathematics. It was the first cylindrical structure ever to be built on a college campus, according to the University’s Web site.

Although Harrelson creates is a landmark on campus, Win Pratt, a sophomore in international studies said he is ready for a change.

“I just want to see improvement on campus and a new Mathematics and Statistics building will do just that,” Pratt said. “Unlike Harrelson, students in the new building will not feel as claustrophobic thanks to decent space and windows.”

One major vice for students taking classes in Harrelson is the lack of lighting, according to Austin Howe, a sophomore in business management.

Howe said that the worst part about Harrelson’s design is the fact that all the classrooms are in the center where there is no natural light.

“I am looking forward to taking classes in the new math and science building because there will be the opportunity to see sunlight,” Howe said. “In Harrelson it is easy to get lost and the atmosphere just makes it easy to feel drowsy.”

Alexandra Hartill, a freshman in anthropology, also said she agreed that Harrelson, while architecturally interesting, is not the most practical building on campus.

“It is so easy to get lost in that building,” Hartill said. “It is really confusing walking around in circles. I feel dizzy once I get to class.”