Board of Regents to consider River Campus expansion today

Approval for new academic and residence hall space at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus will be considered during today's meeting of the Southeast Board of Regents.

University officials have been calling for a $20 million facility at the River Campus to alleviate overcrowded academic space and the need for housing and dining facilities for students who study there. A plan still in the conceptual-design stage proposes a four-story building near existing faculty offices and performance spaces or across from the River Campus campus on Morgan Oak Street.

At its last meeting, the board gave initial approval for the university to proceed with further exploration of the project.

It is anticipated that revenue bonds will be let by the university to finance the estimated cost of the expansion. The bonds will cover construction of the building while revenue from housing contracts and meal-plan commissions will be used to meet the annual debt service for the housing portion of the construction cost.

The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the John and Betty Glenn Convocation Center at the River Campus and will include a lunch recess from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Pertinent address:

Southeast Missouri State University River Campus, Cape Girardeau, Mo.