After two-years of construction, and almost 15 years of planning, the new Student Services Building, which replaced the old Building 7 on the Quad level, is open for business, continuing Ohlone’s drive for trend-setting environmental structures. The “new” Building 7 was designed to bring all the student service programs under one roof, according to Ron Travenick, vice president of Student Services. With the addition of this new building, Ohlone College has taken yet another step toward improved services for present and future students. The consolidation of the various programs gives students a more accessible and convenient method to seek assistance.
Construction started on May 2007, and was completed on schedule for fall of 2009. The building is located on the south side of the Fremont campus and occupies 45,000 square feet of land. There are three levels to the building with an atrium located in the center. Architecturally, this building attempts to harmonize and complement the already existing buildings, Travenick said. The interior maximizes natural lighting, and also to achieve LEED certification, like the Newark campus. It also creates a more formal north entrance to the college. Various departments that have been moved to the new building are: Administration, Admissions & Records, Assessment Center, Associated Students of Ohlone College (ASOC), Campus Activities, Career Services, Counseling, Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), Financial Aid, International Programs & Services, Student Health Center , Transfer Center and Workability III. Plans for the now-vacant rooms in Building One have not been finalized, but there is a slight possibility that the first floor might now house study rooms for students. With the change in location of programs there is also a change in the method of functioning. With the close proximity of the departments, there is now a more united effort to assist the student learning experience. A dedication ceremony for Building 7 is planned at 4 p.m. on Sept. 7.
By JEFF WEISINGER
Editor-in-chief
and FARNOOSH VAHEDI
Staff writer
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