A ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 5 to dedicate the start of a new campus at United Tribes Technical College. The public is invited to attend.

The event takes place at a site along Burleigh Avenue overlooking a 135-acre tract of land located immediately south of the college.

Construction began in April on infrastructure, including earthwork and the installation of water, sewer and electric facilities. The campus expansion will be done in phases and is expected to top $200 million when completed.

The new campus offers the college its first opportunity in 40 years to design the setting and build facilities specifically for educating college students. The present 105-acre campus was acquired by United Tribes as surplus property from the government. The campus is an addition to the old campus.

The 100-year-old buildings were originally built for the military and used as a training center during WWI, a detention center during WWII, and as a planning base for the construction of dams on the Missouri River in the post WWII era.

Engineering and design plans for the new campus feature a circular concept with vehicle traffic on the perimeter. The first educational facility to be constructed will be a math, science and technology center. Work on that building is expected to begin in 2009.

To find the dedication site, visitors are advised to go east from University Drive on Burleigh Avenue, the college's south entrance.