It is the first year of a brand new program for SIAST and today (Fri) was the official opening ceremony for the program and the building it is housed in on 33rd Street.

The first group of 25 students began at the end of August in the Mining Engineering Technology program.

The cost for renovations to the 18-thousand square foot re-purposed building came in under budget.

Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO of SIAST, says the overall schedule from concept design to occupancy was 10 months at a cost of 150 dollars per square foot, less than half the estimated cost.

Students have access to geology and computer labs, traditional classrooms, and technology-enhanced classrooms as well as group study areas.

Rosia says it has already proven to be a popular program.

There were 56 qualified applicants within a matter of months of the original announcement.

(ct sept21/12)