Sandra Aversa

Dignitaries break ground on the University’s Welcome Centre.Dignitaries break ground on the University’s Welcome Centre: UWindsor president Alan Wildeman, vice-president planning and administration Sandra Aversa, associate Doron Meinhard of Hariri Pontarini Architects, and Amico Design Build vice-president Cindy Prince and general manager Greg Geml.

Work underway on Welcome Centre construction

Near-record cold temperatures Wednesday couldn’t stop the University of Windsor from breaking ground on its Welcome Centre, now under construction at the corner of Wyandotte and Patricia streets.

Despite an unseasonable dusting of snow, a crew traced the building’s distinctive serpentine outline on the ground and invited dignitaries and guests to step inside for a quick ceremony to mark the occasion.

City approves $10 million toward downtown campus

The City of Windsor agreed at its meeting Monday to a timetable for a grant of a total of $10 million in support of the University’s downtown campus initiatives.

The city will donate $500,000 on the formal closing of the transfer of the city-owned Armouries, bus depot, and Chatham Street parkette properties; $3 million on May 31; $3 million on September 30; and $3.5 million on January 31, 2014.

Campus growth leads to parking changes

Responding to the completion of the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation, the 2013 expansion of the Odette School of Business and introduction of the Innovation Centre, and the planned opening of a Welcome Centre in 2014, the University’s new parking structure will open mid-2013. This will result in a substantial shift in the parking needs of students, staff and faculty.

Faculty member sought to serve as environmental advocate

Provost Leo Groarke is seeking a tenured faculty member to take on a new role as the University’s environmental advocate.

A key figure in the establishment and growth of environmentally conscious initiatives on campus, the environmental advocate will advise the provost and the vice-president, planning and administration, on environmental issues, and facilitate projects which improve campus energy efficiency, reduce waste, enhance the physical campus, promote environmental sustainability, enhance student learning opportunities, and strengthen partnerships with the local community.