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VICTORIA – Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell today officially opened the University of Victoria’s Engineering/Computer Science Building, which will enable enrolment to double in some high-demand programs and give students access to hands-on experience in modern facilities.
“The Province’s $22-million investment has helped create state-of-the-art classrooms and labs where students will prepare to take their place in B.C.’s knowledge economy,” said Coell. “Thousands of job opportunities have been created for engineers and computer scientists through our robust economy, and these students will be graduating at the right time to put their skills to work to keep the momentum going.”
The 8,975-square-metre technology building houses lecture theatres, teaching labs, research labs, graduate student offices, administrative and academic support space, faculty offices and co-operative education space. UVic is contributing $3 million for a total project cost of $25 million.
This new facility will help make room for 587 new student spaces in computer science and electrical and computer engineering programs. The new spaces represent 17 per cent of government’s overall investment of 3,410 new spaces in similar programs in post-secondary programs across the province over the past five years.
The new building has shown innovation in its design and the project leaders are applying for the gold level in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The point system scientifically evaluates projects for energy efficiency, water conservation, use of materials and other green initiatives. It will be the third LEED-rated building on campus.
“The state-of-the-art teaching and research
facilities in our new Engineering/Computer Science Building provide much-needed
additional space for both engineering and computer science students and other
departments,” said UVic president Dr. David Turpin. “The university is very
grateful to the provincial government for its support of our researchers,
graduate students and undergraduate students by providing funding for this
outstanding new building."
In the past five years, government has provided more than $1 billion in new funding for capital projects on campuses throughout B.C. and has allocated almost $800 million in capital funding over the next three years to accommodate further growth. Government has also funded almost 17,700 new seats at B.C.’s universities, colleges, and university colleges.
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