Dear Character & Experimental Animation students,
I hope you’re all having great summer adventures as well as some serious relaxation time.
I’m writing to share the latest news about the A-block renovation (A115 & A221). In May, it was very exciting to finish up the architectural design with HGA. Demolition of the interior partition walls and the mechanical and electrical systems begins next week! This is the first step in construction.
Student Feedback
Thanks to the many of you who attended our May 11 update with Michael Hendron and Matt Austin from HGA. That session and the Character students’ follow-up letter were very helpful in getting your feedback on the layout and use of the spaces. From that conversation, we’ve started a small discussion group with student representatives from Character. I’m working with Alexander Stewart to add EA student reps to our next session.
The student rep group met with Nathan Crow, Maija and me by Zoom on June 20. Ravi, Tracie and Lori also joined us for Institute-level questions and concerns. We’ll continue to meet with the reps to help facilitate student feedback. Many thanks to these students who are serving as Character representatives:
Schedule
Our expected occupancy date recently pushed back from November 2022 to January 2023. We still hope and plan to be in the facilities for the Spring 2023 semester, but please know that it’s possible there may be further delays. This is unfortunately quite normal in COVID times, with global supply chain issues and staffing shortages.
For the Fall 2022 semester, we’ll continue to use the current classrooms, labs and studios in the Main Building and Butler Building 4, as well as the Town Center. Additionally, the temporary Bungalows opposite the Lodge will open in September.
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We have a lot of work to do, but the animation programs will soon be in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities that are specifically designed for education in this discipline. This is quite rare on any college campus. I’m thrilled you’ll be the first students to experience these exciting new spaces.
As always, you can see the Animation Facilities webpage which houses all the reconstruction and space updates.
All my best,
Abigail
Abigail Severance
Interim Dean, School of Film/Video