New Building, Welcome Back Events Greet Students for 2015-2016

A brand new building that will serve as the new front door for the University of Kansas School of Engineering will greet students arriving on campus for the start of the new academic year.

Learned Engineering Expansion Phase 2 (LEEP 2) is a 110,000 square foot building that includes six state-of-the-art active learning classrooms, new teaching and research laboratories and numerous collaboration and study spaces. LEEP 2 is located at the Engineering Complex on main campus and seamlessly integrates with the Measurement, Materials and Sustainable Environment Center (M2SEC), Learned Hall and a newly-renovated Spahr Library.

“Every aspect of this building was designed to enhance the student experience. It will provide the setting for students to apply what they learn, push the boundaries, hone their teamwork and communication skills and build their technical expertise,” said Michael Branicky, Dean of Engineering.

LEEP 2 is also home to the Student Success Suite (LEEP 2 – Room 1415), which includes offices for recruitment and retention, undergraduate and graduate academic services, minority and women’s programs and the Self Engineering Leadership Fellows Program. Right across the hall is the School of Engineering Career Center (LEEP 2 – Room 1410.) 

“Whether it’s details about a certain class, questions on how to get involved in student groups or advice on career advancement, this one spot will serve as the focal point for students’ needs. LEEP 2 is designed to be a convenient, one-stop-shop to make things simpler and easier for engineering students seeking assistance,” Branicky said.

The project also includes a complete renovation of Spahr Library. There are now more group study rooms, more dedicated space for student organizations as well as a small café. This multi-use area serves a crossroads for engineering and computing students – a place to connect, cultivate and create.

Spahr Engineering Library has new hours for the new semester. Starting Monday, Aug. 24, hours for the service desk hour will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Study facility hours will be 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday-Thursday. As in previous years, there are no overnight study hours on Friday and Saturday.

Welcome Back Events

In addition to the new building to greet students, there are several annual events in the coming days to welcome students back to campus. Here’s a quick rundown:

Aug. 20-30. Incoming freshmen can take part in dozens of activities throughout the week that will familiarize them with the KU campus, KU traditions, their class schedules, the libraries and their new classmates.

Engineering Student Council Welcome Back

Sunday, Aug. 23, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Eaton Hall, LEEP 2 Atrium. A welcome back event for all students in the KU School of Engineering with free ice cream and a chance to learn about student organizations and opportunities to get involved. Hosted by Engineering Student Council.

Diversity Programs Welcome

Monday, Aug. 24, 6 p.m., LEEP 2, room 2015. Students from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) host an event to welcome students to campus and learn more about their organizations.

Frosh Frenzy

Friday, Aug. 28, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Engineering Courtyard. A fun Amazing Race-style event to help School of Engineering freshmen meet their classmates and learn more about the KU campus. Prizes, followed by free food. Hosted by Engineering Student Council. Participants should wear shoes they can run in and dress for the weather.

Carnival in the Courtyard

Friday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Engineering Courtyard. Stick around after Frosh Frenzy for music, food, prize giveaways, and a chance to interact with engineering staff, faculty, and other students. This event is open to all School of Engineering students, faculty and staff and their families and is sponsored by Engineering Student Council and the KU School of Engineering.

Here's a more detailed look at LEEP 2: