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The John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC), located on the corner of University Avenue and Division Street, is used by students, staff, faculty, and alumni for a variety of purposes and is a key hub for student life at Queen’s. It is home to the Alma Mater Society, the Society of Graduate and Professional Students, the Office of the Rector, the Student Experience Office (SEO), numerous student clubs, a pub, and a print and copy centre. At the heart of the JDUC is the ceilidh (pronounced kay'lee), a large open space where members of the community come together to celebrate, debate, innovate, and create.
When complete in 2024, the renovated building will again house the student government offices, and feature dedicated Graduate Student space, accommodation for more than 100 student clubs, 6,000 square feet of new public study spaces, secure and discreet wellness spaces, a larger pub with a patio, an expanded Common Ground Coffee House and Tricolour Outlet.
It will also be more accessible, with at-grade entrances at all entry points, more elevators, and full, barrier-free accessibility in all parts of the building, including the historic spaces. The shipping and receiving area will be moved underground, with the loading dock replaced by an accessible outdoor plaza.
The John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC), in 2021
The project is targeting a LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The design plans call for the integration of green technology, advanced energy modeling, renewable materials, and environmental certifications.
Students will contribute the majority of the funding for the renovation project, through student levies over 25 years, which the students agreed to through graduate and undergraduate referendums held in February 2018 and January 2019. The university is supporting the project with a contribution from a combination of capital reserves and donor funds. Queen’s is also providing the project financing.
The building traces its roots to 1862 and was purchased by Queen’s in 1927. It was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1947, and last underwent a major renovation in the mid-1970s.
Graduate Residence Renovation
As part of a separate but concurrent project, the university will be renovating the 90-room JDUC Residence located within the JDUC. This element is entirely funded by the university’s ancillary operations and includes a complete interior renovation including new in-room fixtures, lighting, paint, curtains, infrastructure, and elevator modernization, as well as lounge and study space upgrades.
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Project Updates
| Activity and Description | Anticipated Duration |
|---|---|
| Overall Project Timeline: Additional details to follow as construction progresses. The overall project is expected to take approximately two years. | May 2022 - Summer 2024 |
Club and Organization relocations
The following information is provided to help track where the various clubs and organizations have relocated (or will relocate soon) to facilitate the renovation of the JDUC facility.
| Organization | New Location | Move Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alma Mater Society (AMS) | LaSalle - Level 1 | Complete |
| Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) | LaSalle - Level 2 | Complete |
| Student Experience Office (SEO) | LaSalle - Level 2 | Complete |
| Sexual Health Resource Centre | LaSalle - Level 2 | Complete |
| Food Bank | Rideau - Level 1 |
October 1 |
| Bikes and Boards | Rideau - Level 1 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Oil Thigh Design | Rideau - Level 1 | Complete |
| TriColour Outlet | Rideau - Level 1 |
Pending - Date TBC (Temporarily in the Queen's Centre) |
| Earth Centre | Rideau - Level 1 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Lifetouch Photography Studio | Rideau - Level 1 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Queen's University Muslim Students Association | Rideau - Level 1 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Rector | LaSalle - Level 2 |
Complete |
| Student Life Centre - main office | Rideau - Level 2 |
Complete (Customer Service desk temporarily located in the Queen’s Centre) |
| Studio Q | Rideau - Level 2 | Complete |
| Walkhome - main office | Rideau - Level 2 |
Pending - Date TBC (Customer Service desk temporarily located in the Queen’s Centre) |
| Queen's Student Constables | Rideau - Level 2 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Academic Affairs/Housing Resource Manager | Rideau - Level 2 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Concurrent Education Students Association | Rideau - Level 2 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Peer Support Centre | Rideau - Level 2 | Pending - Date TBC |
| Student Life Centre | Queen's Centre - Level 1 |
Complete (temporary) |
| Walkhome customer service desk | Queen's Centre - Level 1 |
Complete (temporary) |
| Print and Copy Centre | Queen's Centre - Level 2 | Complete |
(Last updated: May 18, 2022)
Project Background & FAQs
John Deutsch University Centre
- Accessible entrances at all entry points, more elevators, and full, barrier-free accessibility in all parts of the building, including the historic spaces
- Will accommodate more than 100 clubs, 6,000 square feet of new public study space, secure and discreet wellness space and an accessible outdoor plaza
- As part of a separate but concurrent project, the university will be renovating the 90-room JDUC Residence
- May 2022
- Updates will be posted to the website. You can sign up here for project update emails. If you have questions, please contact us at construction@queensu.ca.
- The project is targeting a LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The design plans call for the integration of green technology, advanced energy modeling, renewable materials, and environmental certifications.