In December of 2010, the State of Michigan approved planning for the Jamrich Hall Modernization project to provide a new, efficient, state-of-the-art classroom facility. Programming for the project began in the spring of 2010 and schematic plans were submitted to the State of Michigan for approval on November 4, 2011. The "New Academic Facility" will contain 24 modern, high tech classrooms, many informal learning spaces and 5 academic department suites; while reducing campus square footage by over 30,000 square feet. This reduction will help maximize university building efficiency and reduce operational and maintenance costs.