One of the major concerns from both students and administration during the transition was ensuring the unity and cohesive nature of the law school. To accomplish this goal, Birge-Carnegie was set up as the central hub of the school and as the new location of Bora Laskin Library and the Student Lounge.
The SLS states that the only evidence they can gather to gauge popularity and satisfaction with the Birge-Carnegie Student Lounge is anecdotal observations. However, they note that both the Student Lounge and Reading Room appear to be used at a healthy rate, particularly over lunch, which is reflective of the time in which the Rowell Room and Bora Laskin Library were also most popular.
While the SLS hasn’t received any major complaints or concerns about the Lounge itself, by no means do they think this equates to everyone loving it. They acknowledge there are space restrictions that prevent a more ideal set up of the room. The SLS has also noted that the transition means the law school has lost a space equivalent to that of the Lower Rotunda in Flavelle House. However, it appears that students are taking advantage of the seating space at Ned’s Cafe as an alternative gathering location.
While there is use of other areas of Victoria University, the SLS is committed to keeping Birge-Carnegie as the central student space, as it is the best location for clubs to reach out to law students and target promotions directly. This can be done through posters and leaflets in the Lounge, or setting up a table outside of the Reading Room. From an SLS perspective, they sold Halloween tickets from that area and next term they will be doing the same for the clothing sale and Law Ball. For student groups and clubs, the lobby outside of the Reading Room was the location of the AskMe booth at the start of the term, it is where ALAS sold tickets for their fundraiser, and where the PMP distributed coffee cards to mentors. The SLS anticipates next term will have even more activity near this area.
The Social Affairs branch of the SLS states that the Student Lounge is currently not a topic of focus for them. But they do welcome feedback and suggestions about making the space more enjoyable. Any future improvements will likely be more of a piecemeal approach to issues as they arise. The SLS indicated that if they cannot address a matter directly then they would work closely with the Administration to try to resolve it as best they can.
Students with concerns about the Student Lounge, or other transition concerns, can contact the SLS by talking to an SLS representative, emailing the SLS, or leaving a comment in one of the two blue suggestion boxes in the Student Lounge. The SLS asks that all students keep working together to make the best out of what is admittedly not as ideal a space as what the law school had in the past.
