BEND, OR -- OSU-Cascades is getting closer to a final design for its $19 million Student Success Center. Jarrod Penttila is Construction Manager for the Bend campus, and says student input has been an important part of the process, "They want to see landscaping outside the building that they can really hang out in. They’re looking for spaces where they can socialize. And then, there are certain services that they’ve highlighted that are really important to have in the building, like academic success services, academic advising, student club spaces, a Diversity Equity lounge; and then student life and student government spaces, as well."

Penttila says the goal is to provide room for future expansion, "Over time, as we grow from the 1400-ish students that we have today, to 3,000 or 5,000 over the coming decade, that student success center will actually grow with the student population. So, for the next 15-20+ years, it’ll be that 20,000-square foot building." He tells KBND News they're going for a certain concept, "There’s an interesting look and feel to our campus character, and it’s really important to us to continue that, so we fit into the character of the greater Central Oregon area. And also, provide a building that’s comfortable for students and feels maybe a bit informal."

Lawmakers approved $14 million in state funding in the last legislative session. The other $5 million comes from student fees approved by the student body in 2017.

Penttila expects the design to be finalized later this year, and submitted for city permits. Construction on the 22,500 square foot facility should begin next spring, with completion slated for Summer of 2024.