West Campus opened its doors—at the start of the fall semester—to a new two-story building that includes student services and several study areas; the facility previously housed the campuses north warehouse and was remodeled to accommodate growth at the campus.
In addition to housing student services departments such as admissions, registration, financial aid and advisement and an academic support lab, the first floor of the 2000 building will house a computer courtyard, tutoring rooms and labs for speech, said Ana DeMahy, Director of Administrative and Student Services at West Campus.
The second floor has two science labs; the rest of the space has been closed off until further funding is received for additional classrooms.
“I am absolutely thrilled to know West will be offering science labs, because like many other students, I am a science major and having all the facilities under the same roof helps to make the best use of the time as it doesn’t require commuting between campuses,” said Esther Rodriguez, the student government president at West Campus. “With the new science labs, students will be able to be more productive during the day.”
The first floor of the 2000 building will connect to the library in the 1000 building. That building also received some renovations, according to DeMahy. The first floor now houses student life, continuing education, and the café, and the bookstore were refurbished with new tables and chairs. The second floor of the 1000 building also has offices for faculty now.
Rodriguez said she is excited with what the newly renovated campus has to offer its students. The West Campus opened during spring mini-term in 2006 with 150 students. Today it boasts just under 4,000 students.
“With the expansion I feel like we are fulfilling the MDC mission, which is to change lives through the opportunity of education,” Rodriguez said.
