3 ideas for Norris Hall to be studied

A Virginia Tech committee will study three possible uses for the building where most of the victims of last spring's shootings died: engineering research space, a center for student engagement and a center for violence prevention.

Norris Hall still houses engineering department offices and laboratories but hasn't been used for classrooms since April 16, when a student gunman killed 30 of his 32 victims there before shooting himself.

The committee of students, faculty and staff will get more information on the proposals in November and make a recommendation to Tech President Charles Steger by Dec. 1.

The university said the committee narrowed its options to adding videoconferencing, research and lab space to the engineering department; creating a center for student engagement and community partnerships; and establishing a center for violence prevention and peace studies.

The committee said the two latter proposals could be combined.

A center for community engagement would encompass the VT Engage program, which the university launched Tuesday with a goal of generating at least 600,000 hours of community service. The first year of the program is dedicated to the shooting victims.

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