With uncertainties surrounding the revitalized JDUC’s re-opening, experiencing this new space remains a distant fantasy for Queen’s students.
The JDUC revitalization project has been in progress since 2019. Earlier this week, the executive teams of the AMS and SGPS (Society of Professional Graduate Students) issued a joint statement which ultimately concluded they no longer had any confidence to provide a projected completion date for the project. They assured, “We share in your disappointment and frustration over this situation.”
To spare University associations and outlets from a further cycle of packing and unpacking, depending on changing move-in dates, the statement advised them to hold tight until a firm opening date could be provided. As with any major construction project, delays aren’t uncommon; but none are more disappointing than when followed by over a year’s worth of promises hiking students’ expectations.
Given recent changes, like budget cuts to many of the University’s faculties and departments, and on-campus renovations to the Agnes and Stauffer Library, it’s safe to say Queen’s students are familiar with waiting in uncertainty.
On one hand, it’s disappointing for fee-paying students—who’re eager to utilize campus spaces and services like the Queen’s Pub—to be kept waiting. However, the significance of re-opening the JDUC isn’t limited to the physical building itself—it’s about what the space means for students.
It’s simply unfair to students and staff who’ve been promised employment within the JDUC. After having gone through hiring and onboarding processes, they’re currently left with little hope and no concrete contract dates.
Further, students and activities in close proximity to the construction zone face prolonged disruptions. Nearby classrooms have become unusable—students living in the residence above can only cope with the noise.
Compared to the other changes Queen’s can undergo—or have already undergone—the JDUC certainly isn’t the most impactful of them all. But what sets this project apart from others is our chance to reap the rewards of advocacy from countless years. The JDUC revitalization project wouldn’t exist without student voices, surveys, referendums, and the passing of student fees.
Disillusionment looms over senior students, whose university “firsts” took a hit from COVID-19 in previous years. It’s another step back from experiencing the peak social campus culture promised by everyone before. Delays to opening may outlive graduating students whose dollars helped fund the project, never giving them the chance to benefit from such a central part of campus.
Repeated updates about changing opening dates won’t cut it anymore. But, in the face of miscommunication, frustration, and confusion this transparent response is an honourable token of honesty from the AMS and SGPS.
—Journal Editorial Board
Tags
AMS / SGPS, Campus construction, Campus life, JDUC, JDUC revitalization
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