By David Whitney

Students who attend classes in Willard Hall might have taken notice to the first floor renovation that is now nearing completion. Just a few more globs of spackle, along with some nails here and there, and the job should be done. The new layout has been giving the stamp of approval, along with guarantee for better efficiency at CCSU.

According to Administration Affairs, the project that cost over $100,000 to fund is well worth the investment. The floor is almost ready for the finishing touches but some student services have already excitedly moved in.

The Center for Advising and Career Exploration has made the move back into the location at Willard Hall and has already noticed that the new space is a huge improvement.

“This is the same area we were in before but now the space is being much better utilized,” says Kenneth Poppe, director of CACE.

Poppe mentioned how before the entire middle section of the previous layout was a big opening he called “a waste.” He also talked about how there were several issues before the deconstruction commenced.

“Privacy was an issue. You have students who you talk to and it tends to get personal,” said Poppe. “Before the space was too open and conversations could be heard from across the room. Plus there was asbestos underlining the carpet. This needed to be done.”

When entering the space, the center now holds an information desk and behind sits several secretary offices. Along the perimeter of the CACE service is numerous advisors in private offices ready to serve students.

Joining Poppe and the rest of the CACE services on the renovated floor is the Learning Center, which had its previous location in Copernicus Hall. Continuing Education, Campus Judiciary, Alcohol Prevention and Veterans Affairs, which was previously in Barrows Hall, are all slated to have a suite in the renovated location.

Poppe mentioned how the university always wanted to create an area dedicated to student services. He also told The Recorder that future plans are in discussion for even more renovations in Willard Hall and nearby DiLoreto Hall.

Poppe is anticipating 1200 first year students to begin their CCSU experience in the fall and all of them at some point will be in the new office. He’s not only encouraging new students to check out CACE, but also for any current student to pay a visit. Poppe is confident that with the new space, CCSU can give incoming freshman a better first impression than ever before.

“This has been well overdue, it’s wonderful,” said Poppe. “It’s just a more professional area.”