Arts Central is action central
Claire de Lisser, 778.782.5921, claired@sfu.ca
Jane Fee, 778.782.8467, jfee@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, PAMR, 778.782.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) now have their own spot to find information on virtually everything related to the pursuit of their degree.
It’s called Arts Central. Located in the Academic Quadrangle (AQ) in room 3020, it’s similar to Student Central, an informal gathering place in the Maggie Benston Centre that helps new students and visitors get to know SFU.
Situated in the midst of where FASS students attend classes, Arts Central has three faculty advisors whose sole raison d’être is to answer FASS students’ questions and stimulate their academic dreams. Previously, they had to travel three floors up to receive assistance.
“Arts Central is more visible and accessible than the old space,” says Claire de Lisser, FASS senior advisor. “Students can now stop by in between classes and we hope this will increase the number of students taking advantage of our advising resources.”
The advisors provide information on everything from how and when to declare a major to graduation and post-graduation opportunities and international ventures.
FASS created Arts Central in response to feedback from surveys of students indicating they wanted a more accessible place to hang out with their peers and get academic advice.
As a semester project, a group of students in FASS’ innovative leadership certificate program is investigating potential long-term uses of the new facility.
“Students have told us that they need places where departmental student unions can meet and where an arts community can really develop and thrive,” adds de Lisser.
FASS Dean Lesley Cormack will officially open Arts Central during a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The opening will take place during Arts Week, a series of related events from Jan. 19-23 aimed at showcasing Arts Central and FASS opportunities for students.
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