Though the Student Union construction is progressing, students will have to continue waiting for the completion of the much-delayed process, now scheduled for an April 2011 completion date.Construction has been delayed multiple times from the originally scheduled finish date of March 2010.Because of previous delays caused by undocumented items, such as pipes not included in the original blueprints of the Union, the completion of phase I was consistently pushed behind with several change orders — any additions or deletions to the contract between the state and the contractor. All orders first have to be approved by the state.Union officials expect the four-story southeast addition and the Live Oak Lounge of phase I to be completed first.”It’s critical to the rest of the project,” said Union director Shirley Plakidas.The completion of the Live Oak Lounge is the current focus because it will contain two eating venues. Because of its size, three fire exits opened into and out of the space are needed, though no exits have been secured thus far.The lounge is projected to be completed at the end of the Mardi Gras holiday. There is a push to meet this deadline because of the upcoming remodeling of the Tiger Lair and the Magnolia room, phase II of the process.”We really want to have the new food online before the other goes offline,” said Ken Bueche, Union associate director.The numerous delays cost both time and money, and some students wonder if they are paying for something they will never see.”I probably will have to come back to see it after I graduate,” said Matthew Culpepper, anthropology sophomore.—-Contact Alice Womble at [email protected]