Construction of the new Student Services building at the Oshawa campus is still underway and is expected to be completed by December of this year.

August 23, 2010

The construction of Durham College’s new Student Services building at the front of the college’s Oshawa campus is now in the homestretch. The new space will accommodate most of the essential student services such as Student Life, Financial Aid and Awards, Student Academic Learning Services, Hired Career Services and more.

The existing space inside the Gordon Willey building is also currently undergoing renovations to improve the learning environment for students by adding new labs, classrooms and study spaces. Approximately $20 million has been invested in these renovations with $16.5 towards the new building.

The idea for a new space came about through a new infrastructure program two years ago. College officials thought that a new building would allow more services to be provided in one location. Vice-president of Student Affairs Margaret Greenley says that Durham College is growing and more space is needed for students. “We discussed the greatest impact for student success,” she said. “The new building would allow high quality integrated services in a central destination.”

There are many major ongoing projects at both of the college campuses. Phase 2 renovations at Whitby are in progress and the planning of Phase 3 has already begun. Renovations inside the Gordon Willey building at Oshawa and the Student Services building will be completed by December 2010.

The purpose of these projects is to increase student space and improve student access. The new Student Services building will also provide an opportunity to cross-train staff and provide an integrated approach to optimize customer service delivery.

As part of the new building’s attempt to streamline student services, an online knowledge program will be introduced that will contain all of the information needed to enhance student services. “The student experience comes first at Durham College, and this building reflects that,” said Greenley.