In 2012, EPCC underwent a comprehensive Master Planning process which involved input from students, faculty, staff and the community. One important focus of this planning was reviewing all of the college’s campus facilities. To enhance student experiences and to prepare for future growth, EPCC’s Master Plan recommended multiple phases of construction to expand facilities. These Construction Projects are the first phase of the implementation of this plan and align with EPCC’s overall 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. These important projects will address campus improvement needs and make sure EPCC has the capacity to serve students with additional classroom and laboratory space, state-of-the art learning experiences and improved technology.
The analysis identified six major construction projects that address current and future needs. These projects will enhance student life and experience while providing new and innovative learning opportunities. Projects include new buildings with space for expanded programs, additional classrooms and upgraded labs. With studies showing that students who stay on campus are more likely to stay in school and finish their degrees, the new facilities also have interaction spaces for students to study and relax between classes.
Once the campus needs were identified, faculty and staff from various departments formed planning committees to consult on the execution of the project. Their input influenced the layout of classrooms and labs, the inclusion of new technologies and the design of study and collaboration spaces for students. This insight ensures the projects incorporated solutions that address real education needs.
The plan is ambitious, but it will allow EPCC, students and the community to grow and embrace the future.
The construction projects allow EPCC to build and transform the future for students and community. By investing in students’ education, EPCC ensures a solid foundation that will prepare them to transfer to a university or enter the workforce. This positively impacts our regions’ future by bolstering the workforce and increasing educational attainment.
These projects will benefit student educational experiences. They are financed through Revenue Bonds that are annually repaid partly by tuition as well as general use fees. EPCC issued Combined Fee Revenue Bonds in 2016 to secure $115 million to pay for these vital construction projects. This is a long-term investment that will benefit our students and community.
These bonds are not funded by taxpayers. Repayment of this type of bond is not funded by tax dollars. Revenue Bonds are supported by pledged tuition and general use revenues (from EPCC) and are different from General Obligation Bonds which are secured by taxes (from the community tax payer). EPCC has only requested Bond funding from the taxpayers once, in 1971.
EPCC has the lowest tax rate of all major taxing entities and provides high quality education to the El Paso community at affordable tuition prices.
Any opportunity that future students can get to have more resources – even if I’m not going to be here – I think it’s great. It’s another chance for students to become more engaged.