Students will be pleased to know that the new student services and administration building has begun its official move-in phase—and will be available for use by the end of the spring semester.
Under construction for two years with a budget of over $40 million, the new building, located by the soon-to-be old cafeteria and Campus Safety and Security office, provides spaces for students to gather and other helpful services to both administration and students at Las Positas College.
“Students, faculty and staff can gather for conversation or study in a comfortable environment,” LPC President Kevin Walthers said. “The design encourages flow from indoor to outdoor and creates small amphitheaters that will be great for small performances.”
The overall goal of the new SSA building was to place all student services under one roof, providing a “one stop shop” for students, as Walthers said. These services include counseling, admissions and records, plus a brand new cafeteria.
Additionally, the administration offices will be moved into the SSA building. This is the first phase of the move in and it began on Friday, March 15. These will include the offices of the president, Financial Aid, Admissions and Records and vice presidents.
Despite the $40 million budget provided for this particular project, the building will, in reality, only require about $32 million. These funds are provided by the Measure B Bond program, which is “to repair leaky roofs, worn wiring and plumbing; renovate aging classrooms and the library; as well as repair, acquire, construct and equip college buildings and computer labs at Las Positas College in Livermore,” according to the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District website.
“We will have a soft opening this semester,” Walthers said. “We are planning a grand rededication of campus for the fall. This will be a time when we can invite the community to come see all of the work done through the bond program.”
Even though the grand rededication will not occur until the fall, students will be able to benefit from the SSA building by the end of this semester. The patio areas will be available for student use immediately, while the offices and cafeteria will gradually open throughout the semester.
Within three months, the fences and construction workers at LPC will finally disappear. Students will instead be greeted with a view of wide green lawns, brand new hangout spots and a cafeteria that may live up to its million dollar creation.
