After months of extensive renovations, a grand opening has been set for the revamped campus space meant to help propel students toward success.

The Brock University Student Success Centre (SSC) will officially open its doors to the workspace alongside Market Hall with a celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow Brock faculty, staff and students to explore the area and learn about the many services available to the University community.

The updated SSC space, near the Market Hall stairs, hosts A-Z Learning Services and Academic Advising, while Aboriginal Student Services, which is also part of the SSC family, has its offices beside Guernsey Market.

Allyson Miller, Brock’s A-Z Learning Services Manager, said the new look creates a more welcoming atmosphere for students and staff to take part in program-specific drop-in sessions, writing workshops, one-on-one tutoring and academic advising services.

“The whole space has a lot of positive energy,” she said. “The staff are really excited and that certainly spills out to our engagement with students.”

A comprehensive renovation of the space saw rooms previously used for arts projects transformed to meet the needs of students’ academic demands.

“We have updated technology, improved resources and increased functionality and comfort within a welcoming and adaptable space,” said Miller.

The project also allows for more streamlined access for students and community members as they enter from Market Hall.

The change has meant a more public-facing unit that is more easily accessible to those who need it most.

“Our supports and services have been available to the students all along, but because of how our space is now structured, it’s much easier to find us and learn more about what we offer,” said Amy Elder, Brock’s Director of Student Success.

“The students who come to us are typically anxious about their assignments and academic standing, and our new space is warm, inviting and creates a sense of support that reflects the help our staff can provide.”

The grand opening will commence with speeches from President Gervan Fearon, Greg Finn, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Anna Lathrop, Vice-Provost, Teaching, Learning and Student Success.

After speeches, cake and beverages will be served and members of the SSC will be available in all areas of the new space to answer questions and provide more comprehensive descriptions of the services on offer.

Though the SSC is formally opening its doors on Feb. 5, in practice, it has already been in use for several months.

During that time, Miller has seen an increase in those using its resources.

“Our numbers have been great already,” she said. “It’s a welcoming environment that’s easily accessible and has the academic supports students need.”

Though the grand opening will come and go, Miller says the gratitude and pride she feels walking into the centre each day will not disappear.

“Every day when I walk in, I smile. It’s beautiful in there,” she said. “I’m proud of the University for supporting this project and I’m excited for the value this will bring to the student experience.”

For more about the learning resources available to students and the community, visit the Student Success Centre website.