NK’s to-do list includes developing the Conrad Hall “green space,” hammering away at the Fraternity and Sorority Life renovations, landscaping the Otto Olsen lot and continuing maintenance near the pedestrian bridge and the Mantor Randall parking spaces. In a couple of years, the Calvin T. Ryan Library renovation will slide up on the list. 

Students are going to complain about this to-do list. It’s just how it is.

Our editors understand that construction is a sign of growth and improvement, which is why we have largely ignored this editorial topic. 

In the midst of crashing metal and whirring machines, we suggest students develop a similar understanding. 

Since the delay of Cope Fountain’s installation, construction has affected our daily lives, mainly through problems with parking and impeded pedestrian paths.

Keep in mind, prolonged periods were largely due to shortages of supplies and workers during the pandemic. UNK students are not alone in this struggle as many other colleges, businesses and homes put construction projects on hold too. 

While it’s inconvenient to have so many unfinished projects at one time, how could project managers ever plan for the international crisis brought on by COVID-19?

Even so, the main concern we have about the brown spaces is the first impression it’s leaving on prospective students and their families. 

We commend campus visit assistants for doing their best to avoid the scars in our landscape and represent UNK in the best way possible.

A few years into the future, campus will be a lot more relaxing with more parking, new FSL Housing and beautiful additions. Maybe these additions will move UNK on the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” list.

Until then, we know it’s tempting for college students to holler, “Are we there yet?” as construction teams chip away at their to-do list. Students should not let the eyesores cause their spirits to sink. 

And to the campus officials behind these projects, we appreciate the construction teams who are constantly grinding away at UNK’s to-do list. 

As long as projects are not at a standstill, students can see the changes and envision the improvements.