UOIT discusses more downtown Oshawa locations
Oct 22, 2008 - 04:30 AM
By Crystal Crimi
DURHAM -- One of downtown Oshawa's newest tenants, Durham's university, could become an even bigger player in the city's core.
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is discussing bringing another faculty downtown, said president Dr. Ronald Bordessa, following grand opening ceremonies for its faculty of education, recently moved to 11 Simcoe St. N. The school's criminology or business and IT faculty are also being considered for a move.
"I'd just caution people to be patient," Dr. Bordessa said. "We have not made any formal decisions; we have not made any deals with anyone... we are going to take the time that's necessary to make the right decision."
Those two faculties are being considered because of their interest and interaction with social realities in a downtown, he said. Downtown has a business community and a courthouse - a significant factor in their thinking, he said.
"The downtown of Oshawa is a downtown that has a lot of potential and it needs more people in the downtown on a regular basis," Dr. Bordessa said.
It needs people with spending power as well as new high-quality buildings, he said.
"And the university is in a position to achieve all of these," Dr. Bordessa said.
Internally, the UOIT has had moving more of its faculties downtown on the radar for about six months, he said, but added the school is constantly reviewing all kinds of options. The university will have a clearer idea of which direction it's moving in by the end of this year, he said. Any decision would have to go before the UOIT's board of governors.
Most of the feedback he's received so far has been positive, but there are some who are doubtful, he said. He's willing to hear their concerns and meet with people about the pros and cons of more downtown locations. Dr. Bordessa's also willing to argue for whatever decision is made in a transparent way, he said.
"I think there are some negatives in terms of running two campuses," Dr. Bordessa said, one of which could be travel time and the inconvenience of travelling between campuses.
More locations also provides more choice and variety in learning experiences.
"I think it gives options to students," Dr. Bordessa said.
In addition to faculties, more residences could be added to the downtown, giving students more choice, he said.
Although the school does have some locations in mind, they are still in discussion, Dr. Bordessa said.
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