In an e-mail to Barnard students and affiliates today, outgoing President Judith Shapiro announced slight delays with construction of the new Nexus building. The center, originally scheduled to open for the Fall of 2009, should now be ready by January 2010.

The e-mail points to "difficulties with a subcontractor" as cause for the delay.

"Delays are certainly disappointing, but as you know, not uncommon for projects of this size and complexity," Shapiro writes. "Since construction began a year and a half ago, you have all exhibited outstanding patience and resourcefulness, and your continued understanding and cooperation will be much appreciated. The completed Nexus will serve as the heart of this campus for decades to come, and will definitely be worth this uncomfortable wait."

Shapiro's e-mail also announced the use of Lewis Parlor as a student lounge and said that "the Committee on Events Planning will give student-oriented events a higher priority when assigning spaces throughout the academic year."

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