Relocation Overview

What is the rationale for constructing a new building for the College of Science and Mathematics on the Health Sciences Campus?

The decision to construct a modern new building to house the College of Science and Mathematics on the Health Sciences Campus is strategic. Situating this college in immediate proximity to our colleges of medicine, dental medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences, as well as the AU Medical Center, will distinguish Augusta University from all other institutions in the University System of Georgia. This will enhance Augusta University’s attractiveness to students interested in pursuing careers in the health sciences and advance the university’s goal to grow enrollment. Further, the addition of research laboratories in the new building will increase the ability of our faculty and students to conduct scientific research and will support the creation of additional graduate programs.

As President Brooks Keel has pointed out, undergraduates will have the opportunity to study and work side by side with "the white coats" — students who have been admitted into professional programs preparing them for an array of careers in health care. This enriched environment will have a positive impact on the progression of our students and promote the recruitment of new students from across the state and the region.

Science Hall on the Summerville Campus was designed and constructed primarily to support the teaching mission of Augusta State University (ASU). While the teaching mission remains integral to Augusta University, the institution is committed also to a research mission, as reflected in the University’s strategic plan, "Beyond Boundaries." This plan establishes the goal to "enhance research infrastructure, support services, resources and operational efficiencies, enabling faculty, staff, students, and trainees to successfully pursue research, scholarship and creative endeavors."

Student opportunities to engage in scientific research as undergraduates — to "do" science rather than just study it — will be expanded given the close proximity to researchers on the Health Sciences Campus. Moreover, College of Science and Mathematics faculty researchers will benefit from cross-disciplinary interactions and collaborations with colleagues on the Health Science Campus, thereby facilitating Augusta University’s evolution toward becoming a comprehensive research university with Carnegie R1 status.

The new College of Science and Mathematics building will be constructed on the Health Sciences Campus, not the Summerville Campus, in part because Summerville is a National Historic District, which limits development. The relocation of the college into a new building tailored to the present and future needs of faculty and students will allow the remaining colleges on Summerville, as well as the College of Science and Mathematics, to grow.

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