The Penn State Board of Trustees must have woken up on the right side of the bed last Friday morning, as they approved various plans during their meeting November 5. Some of the items discussed are listed below:

• Renovation of Pollock Dining Commons

Beginning in December, Pollock Dining Commons will undergo an $11.7 million make-over, with completion scheduled for Aug. 2011. In addition to renovations of the main dining hall, an updated sprinkler system will be installed, new ceilings and better lighting to enhance the kitchen, and a new canopy, entry doors, and a bay window will spice up the common’s front entrance. According to the story on Penn State Live, Senior Vice President for finance and business, Al Horvath, said, “This remodel will provide students with individually tailored venues where food is prepared in front of them and can be enjoyed in comfortable dining spaces with a variety of seating configurations.”

Sounds exciting, but change can be scary. In the mean time, loosen your pants and stuff your face with rigaTony’s pasta and pizza before it’s too late.

• New lab to improve science research

Plans for a Biological Research Lab to be built between Park Ave. and Route 322 also received the board’s stamp of approval.  The National Institutes of Health is expected to approve building plans for the $23 million lab in January and it should be completed by summer 2012. The lab is meant to support and help improve Penn State’s existing immunology and infectious disease research.

During that time of year when chronic coughs and sniffling noses echo through lecture halls on a daily basis, it’s hard to argue building a facility with such health-oriented aspirations.

• Architects named for Phase Two of Henderson project

The board announced the approval of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson of Wilkes-Barre, the same firm of architects to work on Phase One in 2008,  to complete the second of the two-phase project on Henderson South. Phase Two will include demolishing portions of Henderson South, as well as building an addition to face East College Ave.

If you’re a fan of watching things get destroyed, bundle up and bring some popcorn to the HUB lawn or other surrounding areas and enjoy the show.