Construction is set to begin on the new Student Centre at Conestoga College. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2006. To mark the occasion, Conestoga President John Tibbits and Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) President Justin Falconer officiated at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by students and Conestoga officials on Monday, October 24.
President Tibbits remarked, "I congratulate CSI for having the vision and making the commitment to this centre, which will raise the quality of experience for our students. We want the highest possible success rates for our students, so quality of experience is very important in attracting and retaining the best possible students for Conestoga."
CSI President Falconer said, "I want to thank the students of this college for their trust and financial support." He added that the student association shares the College's goal of attracting, retaining and graduating more students. He further stated, "Whether they are new students, returning students or returning alumni who are furthering their academic certification, this new space will offer unparalleled opportunity for students to succeed. It will house the important and necessary services that students expect and enjoy."
The $6.5-million project will be student-financed in large part, and entail renovation of 16,000 sq. ft. of the existing Doon campus main building, plus construction of 31,000 sq. ft. of new space.
When completed, the Student Centre will feature not only amenities such as a bistro, student lounge, study rooms, games room, broadcast booth for CJIQ-FM and retail space, but also include direct access to a number of important student services: counseling, student advisement, health services, disability services, a testing centre, an adaptive technology lab, computer stations and student government offices (including meeting space for student clubs and associations).
CONTACT: Justin Falconer, Conestoga Students Inc., 519-748-5131,
jfalconer@conestogac.on.ca