You may have heard mention of a new Student Centre being built on Acadia’s campus. This project is still in its first stages, but what, exactly, does it entail? Here is everything you need to know about Acadia’s prospective new Student Centre.
The current Student Union Building is outdated. This is no secret – its look and layout reflect its old age, and there are still several areas that are completely inaccessible except through narrow staircases. Affectionately known now as the “Old SUB,” the first part of the building was built in the late 1940s (almost 80 years ago). Even the “New SUB” can no longer be considered new, as it was completed in 1972 and turns 53 this year.
Acadia’s student body is constantly evolving. The buildings and resources available to us should mirror our constant change and growth through the years. This idea is the basis of the proposed new Student Centre.
The new Student Centre will stand in the place of the current Student Union Building. The website page dedicated to the project displays several digital illustrations of the building’s interior and exterior design. These illustrations reveal a bright and modern building with big windows, high ceilings, plenty of space to roam and study, and ramps for better accessibility. The building will also be topped with green roofs and solar panels, boosting its eco-friendliness.
Much like the current SUB, the Student Centre will include a central hub where all students will be welcome to form new connections. There will also be spaces dedicated to Indigenous, Black, and international students. A café and a food-sharing space will be added, as well as rooms for physical activities such as dance and yoga. The Student Centre will also house initiatives like Career and Co-op services, S.M.I.L.E., and Active for Life.
Celebration of Acadia’s diverse students are at the core of the Student Centre project. The project is prioritizing barrier-free access all throughout the building to ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their individual needs. Health and wellness services are being designed to see that students receive support when they need it. Cultural connections will be emphasized, giving all students the opportunity to learn from the rich and diverse cultures of their fellows.
The project is being funded by the Build: The Student Centre campaign, which was put together by a group of fourteen Acadia alumni and community leaders. So far, they have raised over $20 million for the campaign and have nearly reached their goal of $24 million.
There is little indication of when the actual construction of the new Student Centre will occur. That said, the Build: The Student Centre campaign has already taken the idea of a new building to levels far above what it has been in previous years. This progress is certainly good news. The future of students’ time at Acadia is bright.
