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The planned revitalization of the John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) at Queen’s University has received approval by the university’s Board of Trustees to move forward.  

Further to the conditional approval in March 2019, the board approved the project at its May 8 meeting, having addressed all the conditions.

“This is a very exciting step forward, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate our students who partnered with us on this fantastic JDUC Revitalization Project, which has already won design awards,” says Donna Janiec, Vice-Principal (Finance and Administration). “Through the hard work of Alma Mater Society (AMS) and Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) executives over the past few years this project is now a reality, and we are thrilled to continue to work together through the construction phase of this exciting project.”

The project is targeting a LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Students will contribute the majority of the funding for the renovation project, through student levies over 25 years, which the students agreed to through graduate and undergraduate referendums held in February 2018 and January 2019, respectively. The university is supporting the project with a contribution from a combination of capital reserves and donor funds. Queen’s is also providing the project financing.

“After a year of such uncertainty it is great news to see the award-winning JDUC revitalization plan move one step closer to reality,” says Justine Aman, SGPS President. “A huge thank you goes to the Board of Trustees and the university for their support as well as to all students, past and present, who are an integral part of this process.”

“This is an incredible win for the students, community, and Queen’s University as a whole, opening a new chapter in Queen’s commitment to enhanced student life and infrastructure,” says AMS President Zaid Kasim. “The AMS has long advocated for this project, and it’s humbling to see the initiatives and work of our predecessors finally come to fruition. It’s a privilege for us, as an organization, to continue this work with the university and SGPS, and to have a seat on the consulting team. When it’s complete, the new JDUC will provide a modern attractive and accessible space that will serve as a new hub for student life, allowing future generations to thrive in their experiences at Queen’s.”

With design plans complete, the project will be ready for tender by the end of the year,