Comprehensive renovations and enhancements were unveiled at Orillia’s campus of Georgian College Wednesday. The changes included an updated cafeteria, a spacious new Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) office/lounge, upgrades at the pub, and a new prayer/meditation room.
The upgrades were funded by the GCSA who, in 2015, announced a historic $7.2-million gift to upgrade student services at each of Georgian’s seven campuses.
“This was driven by students and for students and we are very proud of the work that was done here,” said Georgian College President MaryLynn West-Moynes. “It’s students’ money invested … to improve the quality of life for students and I can tell you your student governors have done just an outstanding job in making sure that every single penny that was spent was really spent on students.”
As students queued up at the Tim Hortons counter and ate their lunch, West-Moynes joked about the formerly “hot pink” décor in the cafeteria where uncomfortable chairs kept people away. “The new furniture and fresh paint provide a much more comfortable environment,” she said, adding a glassed-in area above the cafeteria creates a quiet space for students looking for privacy.
While lauding new audio-visual equipment for the student pub, she said changes to the GCSA space will ensure the office “is front and centre, so you can access the services you need.” She called the transformation of student space “an unprecedented commitment” to the college that began in 2015 and culminated with Wednesday’s unveiling.
GCSA president Scott Mason, who credited the efforts of past presidents who laid the groundwork for the project, said he was proud of the changes. Standing in the sunlight-filled, open-concept GCSA office, he said the student government’s new digs is a quantum leap better than its previous office which was “tucked around a corner and upstairs.”
The new GCSA office was disused space that once accommodated men’s and women’s changerooms. “It was a very, small cramped space, so it’s hard to believe that out of that came this large, open space,” said Mason. “Now, students come in and feel comfortable and they are greeted by a smiling face … I think they feel safer and listened to and they’re not worried about trying to find our office.”
Perhaps more importantly, the new space allows the GCSA to become a one-stop shop for students. Mason said students can get all their questions answered, talk to student life staff, purchase event tickets, buy bus passes, obtain information about insurance, enjoy the lounge and can even book the boardroom to use.
“For us, Georgian is a home away from home and we need a campus that is comfortable and convenient for all students,” said Mason moments after he officially cut the ribbon to open the new GCSA office. “It’s an honour to be part of this.”
In addition to the physical changes, Mason said there are some changes coming to the GCSA structure. It’s been decided to merge a pair of positions (vice president of social and vice president public relations) into a new vice president of student engagement. In addition, a new position is being added: a vice president of equity and inclusion.
“Through this new role, we want to ensure all students on campus are equal,” said Mason. “We are trying to mature our structure to better (reflect) today’s day and age. The changes are all very positive.”
Stephanie Dimech, the dean of human services and community safety at the Orillia campus, said she was elated with the upgrades and renovations. “Each executive since 2014 has been part of this multi-year project that will benefit all Georgian students,” she said. “It’s a great day for our campus.”
Money for the $7.2-million project came from a portion of student fees dedicated to the initiative.
