Centre of Excellence construction proceeding smoothly

Samantha Osaduke
Staff Writer
With help from government grants and community support, York University’s Glendon campus will receive a new building by the end of the 2011 fall semester.
The government of Ontario gave $20 million to the faculty in 2008 to fund the expansion of campus facilities.
Since construction began Sept. 2010, Glendon has had to relocate classrooms, labs and parking spaces. Many classes have had to move to the Frost Library or the Proctor Field House.
Some students, like second-year Michelle Fung, are skeptical about the construction but remain hopeful about what it might mean for Glendon.
“I think the new expansion destroys the historical aura of Glendon,” she said. “But I’m sure this will gain more publicity. Most people don’t know about the programs that Glendon offers.”
With the expansion, Glendon will be able to introduce a bachelor of education program for French teachers at all levels and introduce a new PhD in études francophones (French studies).
The building itself will be equipped with elevators, lecture halls, cafes and art studios. The studios will allow Glendon to offer courses in photography and painting that are currently not offered.
Construction is scheduled to be completed Dec. 2011.