RIC’s Clarke Science Building is on the Ballot, March 2 Page Content On March 2 Rhode Island College will be on the ballot as bond referendum #1. If approved, this bond will provide $107.3 million to higher education, with $38 million going toward much-needed renovation of the John Clarke Science Building at Rhode Island College. Built more than 50 years ago, the John Clarke Science Building is home to the Department of Physical Sciences, which offers degree programs in physics and chemistry as well as courses in Earth and space sciences. Not only physics and chemistry majors but hundreds of students in the health fields, education and the School of Arts and Sciences take physical sciences courses. Faculty also teach a significant number of courses in the General Education Program. Suffice it to say, the building is well used; however, it is also rundown.