Staff members, faculty, and administrators are currently working together to further improve the Bakersfield College experience by renovating the Student Services building.
The Student Services building is the next renovation project for the BC campus.
Vice President of Student Services Mildred Lavato said the renovations plans are “on schedule, all the Student Services directors have spent time working together.”
There are two phases in the renovation process of the Student Services building. Phase one is “Abatement” which will begin by the end of Summer 2006, when faculty members and staff will be removed from the building and into “new homes,” either on campus or at the newly renovated Weill Institute downtown.
Phase one is also the stage for the search and removal of asbestos and lead paint.
Phase two consists of the structural renovation of the building, which is set to begin in Fall 2006.
The whole renovation project is estimated to last anywhere from “two and a half years to three years,” said Lavato.
Due to the lack of on campus space available to accommodate all the different departments in the Student Services building, some departments will have to be moved to the Weill Institute.
However, the different departments have a chance to write a proposal for their new location. President Bill Andrews will review the proposals and make his decision by the end of the Spring semester.
With regard to moving departments off campus, Lavato said some would have to be relocated yet, “we’re looking for ways to prepare students for one a one spot unit.”
The new Student Services building will be a ” true student one stop,” said Ken Meier, vice president of student learning.
The new building will consist of the student services department, from admissions to supportive services, all located under the same roof.
The first floor will consists of admission and records, students’ lounges, and conference rooms.
The second floor will consists of a tutoring area, financial aid, Calworks, and EOPS.
Joan Wagoner, director of financial aid, said, ” the move is necessary.”
She plans to make some adjustments without “disturbing students needs” during the renovation process.
Another member of the Student Services department, Registered Nurse Debra Strong, said the following in regards to the renovations.
“It’s a wonderful idea. Other schools have a one-stop student services building; the greater the sacrifice, the greater the blessing,” said Strong.
In regards to the health department Strong said, “We (health department staff) are looking forward to the new building to better serve the students.
Dean of Students Don Turney, who is also adviser to the Student Government Association, said the whole process of renovating the Student Services building is “pro-student.”