On Friday, Aug. 16, the Student Services Building (SSB) officially reopened after student protesters damaged the building over the summer. The repairs included removing graffiti, repairing broken windows, furniture and other technical equipment, according to a July 24 statement from President Bereneacea Johnson Eanes.
Most services have resumed operation in time for the fall semester, but the property will continue to undergo repairs while in public use. “Cushions for seating in student gathering areas are being reupholstered and will be reinstalled in September,” according to Eanes’ statement. President Eanes also said that replacing “more permanent finishes in wood, stone, and metal will continue through October.”
“Floors Lower Level through Four should be open to everyone,” said Executive Director of Strategic Communications Erik Hollins. Hollins added that there will be temporary covers while the building is in public use, and the cost of the project is enough to impact future budget talks.
The reopening comes two months after Pro-Palestinian protesters entered the building and caused damages Eanes said were “difficult to quantify.” This was in response to a breakdown in discussions between the group and Eanes, where they demanded the college divest from companies supporting Israel and its operations in Gaza.
During repairs, services including Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, and the Office of Students with Disabilities moved online or into temporary office spaces. One department, New Student and Family Engagement (NSFE), was relocated to a lounge on the third floor of the University-Student Union (U-SU). Christopher Johnson, the director of the Department, was in the building when he heard protesters attempting to enter.
“My first thought was making sure everyone was safe and well during what was going on,” said Johnson. “Our main concern was making sure everyone got out safely.”
Johnson said he was grateful to U-SU staff for reconfiguring the space, noting that they helped the department use the space’s facilities and equipment for tasks like orientation preparation.
Andrew Blanco, the Assistant Program Coordinator for NSFE, especially took pride in his team preparing for orientation in a temporary office, saying the feat was “nothing short of amazing.”
“We are in the department of adaptability, and this was a true testament to that, and we did it together,” said Blanco.
Despite continued work on the building, Johnson said he was looking forward to his team returning to their office.
“That is a space we really enjoy and value, and so I’m excited to get back into our space,” said Johnson.
The Student Services Building is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., near parking lots A and B.
This article was first published in the August 28 print edition of the University Times.
