[rthomasd]

The Core Sciences project has been ongoing for 4 years with extensive consultation and even public input. The MUN Board of Regents who approve all such projects, includes 4 student members, one from each of the 4 student unions (MUNSU, GSU, Marine Inst Student Union and the Grenfell Student Union) so MUNSU should certainly have been aware of the concepts of the project. Seems a bit late of MUNSU to have objections now that building construction has started but none during the design and consultation phases.

A quick search on the MUN web page shows lots of background material on the project, including that there's 78,000 square feet of space for "other teaching and support spaces, including faculty and student collaboration space" in addition to the 98,000 square feet of teaching labs. A quote from the Head of Engineering and Computer Engineering Department shows how little MUNSU knows about the Building -

"The move to the new Core Science Facility will definitely enhance the teaching and learning environment,” said Dr. Peters. “Our students and professors will benefit from an increase in teaching and research laboratory space, including a teaching computer laboratory designed to accommodate a variety of teaching styles, such as flipped classroom, pair and small group work. Our students will also benefit from new junior and senior design studios.”