Proposal

Narrative

The College of Business (COB) is requesting funds for renovation of BU 120, the primary auditorium and lecture hall in building BU 86, Phil Smith Hall. This high-capacity classroom currently seats 282 in-person students, but will also be video conference ready and serve as an excellent recording space, enabling it to reach even more guests per session. With twenty or more classes scheduled in it each semester, BU 120 hosts over 16000 students a year for both the COB and the university. It also serves as a prime event space hosting a wide array of FAU affiliated speakers, meetings, and panels throughout each year. Its renovation is essential to not just maintain, but to grow its utilization. The current technology in this room has served us well for many years, but it is now dated and no longer meets the consistently growing demands of FAU courses and events. Funding is hereby requested to modernize the technology and its related infrastructure within BU 120 and elevate it up to FAU-OIT & College of Business standards. Should 100% funding not be available, the College of Business would absolutely be open to a partial and/or joint funding model. Our goal is to make it a true gem of a space for our university and its students.

Facilities

Some facilities assistance will be needed. A minor project request is currently being filled out for the space. Power and networking adjustments may be needed as well. See attached quotes and specs.

Hardware Requirements

See attached quotes and specs.

Software Requirements

No software related requirements on this proposal.

Personnel Costs

No new personnel costs will be needed on this proposal. Any additional labor will be done by the College of Business Technology Services department in conjunction with OIT.

Other Costs

Labor will be done by FAU approved contractors, installers, vendors, and electricians as noted on the attached proposal. Any additional labor will be done by the College of Business Technology Services department in conjunction with OIT.

Timeline

Depending upon the fund allocation date and parts availability, the College of Business would like to start and complete this project before the start of the 2026 Fall semester.

Sustainability

With completion of this renovation in 2026, BU 120 will provide FAU students, faculty, staff, and affiliates with a top-tier space for the next 6-10 years and only need minimal adjustments along the way.

Resource Matching

Should 100% funding not be available, the College of Business would absolutely be open to a partial and/or joint funding model. The COB will also initiate improvements to the walls, floors, and general aesthetics of the room.

Implementing Organization

College of Business Technology Services, OIT, FAU DCS, and other FAU approved contractors, electricians, and architects.