Robarts plans $75 million expansion
Library expansion project met with support and condemnation by students
By Barbara De Dios, Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News
"I just think U of T is so caught up in maintaining its reputation and image that they're neglecting the building blocks that make up the school in the first place. I'm sure there are many students who regret not going to York or Ryerson."
Along with the issue of whether such a grant should have been used for decreased tuition costs, students offer other uses for the money.
"I think U of T should …use the money for services that will help the student body mentally," second-year student, Latoya C, argues. "How can we study if so many of us are struggling staying in our courses?"
While third-year Life Science student Lincoln Lam also believes increased study space will be beneficial, he deems the number of new study spaces excessive.
For Lam, Robarts' student traffic needs to be controlled, and his support of the expansion is evident. However, the ostentatious nature of the project leaves him with doubts.
In the news release, Milloy has further pointed out that the expansion project will further contribute to U of T's prestige on the national and international scale.
While torn on the issue of supporting the expansion, most of these students believe that such a project will enhance U of T's reputation in Canada and North America.
"It always comes down to reputation and prestige, and the renovations would definitely draw attention and thus increase U of T's reputation," Rangarej agrees.
Lam's sentiments, however, provide an element of skepticism.
"I think U of T has enough prestige as it is…the main barrier between support and non-support usually derives from the problem of whether current students can access the facilities that they paid for," Wu argues.
Robarts Chief Librarian, Carole Moore, nonetheless explained that expansion plans have been underway for a year already, only recently approved by the Governing Council.
Construction, which will be carried out in phases, is projected to begin later this year. If U of T gathers the $75 million, the new wing will be erected on Huron Street, over the loading dock.
While the provincial government has approved the requested $15 million grant, the university will be seeking the majority of its funding from private investors.
Along with the issue of whether such a grant should have been used for decreased tuition costs, students offer other uses for the money.
"I think U of T should …use the money for services that will help the student body mentally," second-year student, Latoya C, argues. "How can we study if so many of us are struggling staying in our courses?"
While third-year Life Science student Lincoln Lam also believes increased study space will be beneficial, he deems the number of new study spaces excessive.
For Lam, Robarts' student traffic needs to be controlled, and his support of the expansion is evident. However, the ostentatious nature of the project leaves him with doubts.
In the news release, Milloy has further pointed out that the expansion project will further contribute to U of T's prestige on the national and international scale.
While torn on the issue of supporting the expansion, most of these students believe that such a project will enhance U of T's reputation in Canada and North America.
"It always comes down to reputation and prestige, and the renovations would definitely draw attention and thus increase U of T's reputation," Rangarej agrees.
Lam's sentiments, however, provide an element of skepticism.
"I think U of T has enough prestige as it is…the main barrier between support and non-support usually derives from the problem of whether current students can access the facilities that they paid for," Wu argues.
Robarts Chief Librarian, Carole Moore, nonetheless explained that expansion plans have been underway for a year already, only recently approved by the Governing Council.
Construction, which will be carried out in phases, is projected to begin later this year. If U of T gathers the $75 million, the new wing will be erected on Huron Street, over the loading dock.
While the provincial government has approved the requested $15 million grant, the university will be seeking the majority of its funding from private investors.
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