The De La Salle University (DLSU) campus has seen numerous changes from the retrofitting of the St. La Salle Hall to the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall (HSSH) in the past few years. One of the most recent construction efforts, which concerns many student organizations, including the University Student Government, is the renovation of the Bro. Connon Hall more commonly known as the SPS Building last November 2012.
Following the removal of the canteen on the second floor of the said building, the University has made changes in the allocation of the available space left by the canteen. According to plans, the newly constructed offices should be completed before the Philippine Accrediting Association of School (PAASCU) visit this coming February 18-19.
Construction on the second floor
The decision to use the vacated second floor area for the Office of Career and Counseling Services (OCCS), formerly located on the third floor, was influenced by a recommendation that came from the previous PAASCU visit to create a larger counseling area.
In addition, the office of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), which was formerly found on the fourth floor, has been moved to the second floor.
The University Student Government’s (USG) graduate students will use the office space vacated by the OCCS on the third floor.
On space and effectiveness
College of Liberal Arts (CLA) President Raymund Nejal comments that giving organizations more space may help them perform better since there is more space to facilitate meetings and assemblies.
College of Education (CED) president Monica Dumaual agrees and points to another factor that could affect the performance of the USG. She furthers that the SPS building must be renovated to provide a more conducive working environment. Dumaual adds, “It serves as an avenue for different organizations to interact and streamline all efforts.”
The plea for more space for organizations has long been a concern of many student leaders. Council of Student Organizations (CSO) President Gail Tan explains that many organizations have aired their comments on lack of space or space to call their own.
She adds, “I would like it if they also think of it as their office or home, like how my officers do. The organizations are part of CSO, and they should feel comfortable being in CSO’s office.”
College of Science (COS) President Clarisse Yeung, however, airs another concern. She argues that a move could be challenging because of possible confusion in the transfer of materials. She furthers that the new locations of the offices may confuse students.
While many believe that the SPS building may not be enough for student organizations, the space remains to be a constraint. Dean of Student Affairs (DSA) Fritzie De Vera verifies that student organizations will remain in the SPS building at least for the next five years.
In line with the recent integration of the DLSU and De La Salle Canlubang, De Vera airs that her preference is in building more student centers in the new Science and Technology Complex (STC) in anticipation of a growing student body.
Developments on other floors
Other developments in the SPS building include the allocation of half of the entire fourth floor to CSO and the construction of discussion rooms on the third and fourth floor. All of which have been done to address the issue of lack of space raised in the past.
Though no move date has been set, COSCA’s former office on the fourth floor has already been earmarked as new office space for student organizations.
Tan remains satisfied with CSO’s position. She argues that CSO’s placement is very strategic given its proximity to the Student Co-Operative (SCOOP). She adds that the new office space will allow them to work faster.
The Cultural Arts Office (CAO) will remain on the third floor, along with the new rooms for the Graduate Student Council.
For PAASCU
During the previous PAASCU visitation, evaluators had asked the University to allocate more space for student organizations.
Though SPS continues to house student organizations, the building has not been able to accommodate all student organizations, especially those under CSO. As Tan points out, some organizations have complained that they do not have space to conduct their organization affairs.
And while the CSO office on the fourth floor of SPS is for all CSO members, many member organizations see the CSO office as a place where documents are processed instead of an area specifically allocated for individual student organizations.
Other on-campus constructions
According to Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Development (AVCCD) Engr. Aurellano Dela Cruz Jr., the Zaide cafeteria located in front of the Miguel building will be redesigned in the years to come. The initial plan is to organize the food stalls into a “beehive” design.
Another plan is to convert the vacant lot beside the cafeteria into a path for fire trucks to pass through. Dela Cruz, however, comments that the University does not have a budget for this. He adds that there is a plan to build a student center along the area.
Former DLSU President and Chancellor Br. Jun Erguiza FSC confirms that the University has many plans, but quickly clarifies that there will be few if not no construction efforts in the near future.
The University is currently in the process of renovating and developing areas vacated by the transfer of the library and other administrative offices in the HSSH.
The old library located behind the St. Joseph (SJ) building is set to house different offices from the College of Business (COB) and the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), while office spaces vacated by COB will be converted into classrooms.
Previous plans included a move to construct as much as 14 classrooms in the old library. Dela Cruz, however, explained that the initiative had to be cancelled because the building’s narrow stairs will not be efficient and safe in case of an emergency.
The University is also making a move to expand existing faculty rooms and members’ respective cubicles. Lounges and consultation rooms per floor would also be available to professors and students.
