Students benefit from expansion

I’m writing in response to the Oct. 2 letter by Jermain Mckenzie, interim president of the University of Regina Students’ Union and Sylvain Rheault, president of the University of Regina Faculty Association that claims the University of Regina’s “expensive capital projects ... have had little or no impact on the academic outcome of students.”

As academic head of a unit that has benefited from the university’s priority capital project — the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project — I know this to be unequivocally untrue.

The College Avenue Campus is home to the university’s Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). Each year, thousands of learners — from toddlers in our Kindermusik program at the Conservatory of Performing Arts to seniors who take classes at our Lifelong Learning Centre — access this campus. Reginans flock through the campus doors to enjoy dozens of cultural and community events held here every year.

The capital project enables us to expand our distance education offerings so we are able to serve students in rural and remote communities. Expanded accessibility enables us to continue offering courses through areas such as our business and professional development division. Restoring and preserving the historic buildings at the College Avenue Campus means Regina continues to benefit from an educational and cultural hub.

It’s also a good move for the university’s bottom line. The CCE is expected to contribute more than $12.5 million in net revenue to the university’s operating budget in 2018-19. These funds support staffing and programming in faculties and units across the university, directly benefiting students. In short, the restored College Avenue Campus has a huge impact on students, our community, and the long-term viability of the university.

Harvey King, executive director, Centre for Continuing Education, University of Regina