Students to gain from best facilities

Construction will soon be underway on the new Student Learning Hub in the heart of the University of Adelaide's North Terrace Campus.

The Learning Hub is the centrepiece of the University's multimillion-dollar plan to transform the on-campus experience for students - not just the physical environment but all aspects of university life.

A critical part of the project is that students have been brought into the design process, with students playing a key role on a special project task force, student reference groups, and widespread consultation through social networking media and a 'consultation wall'.

"We're engaged in a process of creation, jointly with students, and redesigning the student experience," said Paul Duldig, Vice-President, Services and Resources. "This project will make the University of Adelaide a leader in student experience and the envy of universities across Australia."

The Learning Hub is being built over three levels at the site of Hughes Plaza, linking the library, student services and lecture theatres with the Hub's mix of quiet and group study rooms, the latest digital technologies and computer access, social and relaxation areas, food and beverage outlets and the most in-demand student services and facilities.

"A critical aim is to help bring together students from across the University, from different year groups and disciplines, in both learning and social settings," Mr Duldig said.

"The Learning Hub, to be completed in mid 2011, will be the student home on campus, providing space for students where they can meet in a central location with easy access to the services they need.

"This project dovetails with our new student portal, Unified, which provides direct access to all online services and resources. What we're doing is helping students get more connected, with each other and with the facilities and services they need for the best on-campus experience we can provide."

Other major projects within the University's $400 million capital works program to build world-class teaching and research facilities include the new Engineering, Maths and Computer Science building, called Innova21, and new Veterinary Science facilities at Roseworthy Campus.

The recently completed Innova21 achieved Australia's first 6 Star Green Star Design - Education v1 environmental rating for an education building; delivering the highest quality staff accommodation, teaching and student facilities while following strict sustainability criteria.

The building's performance is monitored by a digital Building Management System. Information about energy use efficiency and the performance of structural elements is displayed on a central media wall, allowing use of the building as a teaching tool.

New state-of-the-art veterinary health facilities are almost complete at the Roseworthy Campus as part of the new School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. They include high-tech clinical and diagnostic facilities that will operate as training clinics for veterinary students.

Teaching facilities include new laboratories, a computing hub and tutorial rooms that incorporate the latest technology, including audio-visual links with surgical and other specialist areas.

Story by Robyn Mills

For more information about world-class facilities visit Open Day Sunday 15 August.