Renovated JDUC ready to welcome students back to Queen's

There are more accessible entrances, new open spaces, and an expanded Queen's Pub.

Just in time for the new school year, Queen's University has opened the renovated John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC).

JDUC is home to over 100 student clubs, the Alma Mater Society (AMS), Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), Health Promotion and Peer Support Centre.

Some of the upgrades include more accessible entrances, an expanded Queen's Pub complete with an outdoor patio, and a new open space in the ceilidh.

Director of Campus Planning and Real Estate Tony Gkotkis says the renovations were the result of years of planning.

One of the challenges for the architects is modernizing a building that has been around for over 100 years.

Gkotkis says they received input from the student organizations to make sure the improvements meet their needs.

Acting President of SGPS Surabhi Velagala says it is amazing to see some of the changes the building now features.

The renovated JDUC comes as students are about to hit the books for another semester starting on Tuesday.

Many of the new and returning students and their families were busy over the weekend moving things into their new residences. Some were able to check out the renovated JDUC.

Gkotkis believes students along with faculty and staff will like what they see inside the building.

More than 30,000 students, including 4,800 first-year students, are expected to be attending Queen's this fall.

Story by Ken Hashizume