Southeast Missouri State University is gearing up for the start of classes Monday.

Students will be greeted by construction projects and new faces.

The university welcomed about 35 new faculty members this year. And over the last three years, a quarter of the faculty members are new. Much of the turnover is directly tied to many faculty members retiring at the end of 30-year careers. New people bring new ideas and enthusiasm to campus.

The university campus is also teeming with construction projects. The social science building is under construction, along with a utility tunnel project, power plant upgrade, improved recreation fields and the Greek Drive extension. New directional signage should also aid visitors.

These projects may prove a nuisance to students and parents, faculty, staff and community. But inconvenience is small price to pay for progress.

Welcome back students.