Renovated and refurbished building now a one-stop-shop for students
The former Administration Building on Avondale’s Lake Macquarie campus has re-opened, offering a restructured student service experience after six months of renovations and refurbishment.
The renovations and refurbishment began in March this year, originally setting out to repair damage caused by water leakage—a pitched roof now replaces the building’s flat roof. They also coincided with a restructuring of the Academic Office and Avondale Admissions, which are now combined under the title of Student Administration Services and provide assistance for all unit or course-related enquires.
The building’s improved interior design promotes a more “welcoming atmosphere” by using the open space of the foyer to invite students in, says the new Director of Student Administration Services, Laurel Raethel. “We’ve taken a building that’s been in this spot on this campus for a really long time and refreshed it,” she explains. “With this refreshing came the opportunity to refurbish and also realign the need of students in the current academic climate where an emphasis on service is evident.”
The refurbishment will make enrolment easier, particularly for new students. It not only brings the Student Administration Services team to the front of campus but connects it with other student services, such as Student Finance, located on the other side of the building. Reception and Financial and Business Services share the space, too, So, enquiries about admission and units or courses, collection of ID cards and payment of fees can now be completed in the one space. Online self-service stations and an information technology services help desk will also save time. An accessible toilet accommodates people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility. The building also makes better use of its location, with a bank of windows offering plenty of sunlight and views of the gardens.
“Students used to have to walk to separate areas of the building and campus to sort out finance, admissions and ID cards,” explains Financial Controller Lavinia Ontanu. “Now they’re immediately greeted by reception and pointed in the right direction. By not being geographically isolated by walls, we’re able to identify that when a student leaves our department, they’re being taken care of in all areas.”
The goal, according to Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ray Roennfeldt, is to create a “one-stop shop” for students.
The renovations and refurbishment did not even make an impact on the budget. As a denominational entity, Avondale rents buildings on campus from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific, which then funds major capital works through its Property Trust. An offering collected at Avondale’s Homecoming helped progress the bagging of the external brickwork.
Raethel says the project is a worthwhile investment that is going to “bring long-term gain to the university college.”
Avondale will name the building on the Friday of graduation weekend (December 6) in honour of Dorothy Cottier, who served for 40 years, predominantly as Assistant Registrar, at Avondale.
Share
Author
