I want to take a moment to thank you all for the consistent teamwork and collaboration over the past few months. Our progress is a direct reflection of the way you’ve worked together—with focus, openness, and a shared commitment to our goals.
The brainstorming session in May highlighted the creativity and energy this team brings, and the effort vs. impact exercise in July helped clarify our priorities and where we can make the most progress. Your input during those sessions helped us identify and prioritize opportunities that align with our goals.
This fall, we will shift focus to project feasibility work, taking a closer look at several initiatives that came out of those discussions—such as streamlining parking services to a single vendor, offering custom imprinted merchandise through the Print Store, and adding smart lockers in key campus areas. These projects have strong potential, and your continued collaboration will be essential as we assess the scope, resources, and timelines needed to move them forward.
I’m looking forward to reviewing our progress as a team during the all-staff meeting in December, where we will review what we’ve accomplished and align on next steps for the new year.
Thank you again for your commitment and contributions. You are what makes Business Services a strong and progress-driven team.
Melanie
FINANCIAL FAST FACTS
A look at YTD actuals vs. budget from May to August for FY25/26
Loop
SHUFFLE 35
The Taking care of business team raised $5,425 to fight food insecurity on campus! Business Services also supported the event as silver sponsor, providing free parking at the P7 lot.
Celebrating a new appointment
Sabrina Lavoie has been appointed Associate Vice-President of Campus Services and Sustainability. In addition to her current portfolio, she will now oversee Recreation & Athletics as well as the Office of Sustainability. Congrats Sabrina! I Learn more.
NEW STAFF SUGGESTION BOX
After an idea from our May 30 all-staff meeting, we added a suggestion box to the staff room. Our first suggestion: “Can the department cover coffee?” Yes! Stinger Roast Fair Trade coffee will now be available in the lunchroom. Keep the suggestions coming — we’re listening!
CARD SERVICES
Back to school. A look back
The Card Services team welcomed many students coming to get their new ID, pick one up, renew, or replace it. Working alongside the First Stop and Welcome Centre, they also provided directions and answered countless questions. In August 3,445 ID cards were issued.
“Congratulations to the team on the smoothest BTS session ever—despite the challenges.”
Elizaveta Eidelman
New ID card with access
Cheers, Melanie
This term, Card Services teamed up with Campus Safety and Prevention Services to roll out the Campus Card with a bonus access card. About 3,000 students now use just one ID card for residence, labs, and special access—no more juggling two cards! Next up: expanding this feature to even more students, boosting security across buildings and floors for a safer campus.
PRINT STORE NEWS
Cool project alert: Art show booklet
We found the perfect printing solution for our customer’s project! Textured covers, folded pocket pages, clever inserts, and even a tiny booklet inside—this project was pure hands-on fun. There’s a sample in the conference room—come check it out!
New
computers
Two new computers were added to the store! This upgrade ensure efficiency and reduces technological stress.
Quick, sustainable and smart!
The Print Store team gave new life to old coroplast by simply layering fresh posters on top. Eco-friendly, fast, and in-house—no outsourcing needed!
EXPLORE SERVICE FAIR – September 17
Thank you to Nerissa, Steven, David, Alex, and Kim for bringing energy to the always-popular Business Services table! During the three-hour event, nearly 200 students dropped by to learn about our services, grab a Concordia string backpack, and enter the DPrint contest for a chance to win one of ten $20 DPrint credits. In total, close to 200 students entered!
The event is always a great opportunity to connect with students and enrich their on-campus experience.
Don’t forget to complete the training on sexual violence awareness and prevention by October 27. I COMPLETE IT TODAY!
PARKING UPDATES
Loyola High School
The Loyola High School contract has been signed. In addition to favorable new terms, we’ve added signage so the public can park in these spots between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., generating additional revenue and increasing parking options at P7.
"GM Garage closure: Parking team unite!
As part of the GM Building’s deep energy retrofit—aimed at extending the building’s life, cutting energy use by 50%, and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions—the GM garage is now officially closed.
The Parking team worked tirelessly to relocate all parking users to alternate locations with minimal disruption. They’ll continue to support the project by partnering with the project management team on the next phase: transforming the space.
I Learn more about the project.
PGoogle for Business
LB and FB parking rates were added as products, boosting visibility on Google Maps and local search. Highlighting our prices helps customers choose us faster and sets us apart from competitors.
VMovie shoots
Two movie shoots—including The Love Hypothesis—rented Loyola lots, bringing in $20,000
New directional signage
New directional signage will guide traffic to the Print Store, Bookstore, Starbucks, ID Card and parking! A large vinyl banner will also be installed in the Hall Building, on top of the escalators, between the scheduled Rogers ads.
Giveaway advertising event
We teamed up with Influence Marketing that set up shop in the EV building on September 2. They handed out eight pallets of free bags packed with goodies like a Swiffer, magic-eraser, Tide detergent, Concordia-branded coupons, and more! Students loved it—and the event also generated $1,000.
DPRINT UPDATES
DPrint launched a new one-stop portal where students can add funds, submit and track jobs, view print history, use Web Print, check their balance, and more—all in one place!
Since launch, support tickets are easier to resolve and fewer students are visiting the Print Store for help. I Review the updated user guide.
PaperCut coming to departments soon!
The PaperCut solution will be rolling out to departmental devices this fall.
The new system will make it easier to:
• Track and manage printing expenses
• Receive customized reports
• Manage users independently
A fresh new look, coming soon
We’re brightening up the student gathering area near Starbucks and the Book Stop with new vinyl signage—making the space more inviting, guiding visitors to LB.0 services, and directing parking users to the street exits.
Directional vinyls will also be installed on Mackay Street.
Staff Spotlight
Alex Rousseau, Business Operations Coordinator
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a pretty low-key person, and family life is what matters most to me. Balancing being a husband, father, and son keeps me busy — and humble! When I get some quiet time, I turn to video games. That’s my way to recharge (and sometimes remind myself I can still win at something). I’m also a big reader, and when the weather’s nice, I love heading outdoors to go hiking.
What’s something about you that people often misunderstand?
I’m an introvert, which sometimes gets mistaken for being a pushover — but trust me, I’m not. I’m fair, I respect the rules, and I’m a stickler for keeping things organized. I like systems that make sense… and yes, I will write you a ticket if I have to (nothing personal, just business!).
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different — which is part of the fun. One minute I’m handling work orders, the next I’m patrolling or checking in with partners. I deal with everything from broken pipes to troubleshooting, to calling agents or even the city. And of course, there’s always customer service — whether that means helping someone out or making sure parking rules are followed.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Troubleshooting — I love digging into problems and finding solutions. Creative and analytical thinking, negotiating with customers and partners, and discovering best practices keep things interesting.
If you had a clone, what task would you assign to him?
I would send him out patrolling the lots every 2 hours ! It would be better than a camera.
What’s something that nobody knows about you?
I have a flight simulator at home — it’s my hobby. I love everything about flying. I even got flying lessons as a gift, and let’s just say… I’m officially obsessed with planes and aviation
“I love digging into problems and finding solutions. Creative and analytical thinking, negotiating with customers and partners, and discovering best practices keep things interesting.
What’s your go-to coffee order?
Black coffee with cream. I’m not too picky, and yes, I’m a Tim Hortons guy. But I’m super excited about the Stingers roast in the office!
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I had to pick one meal for life, it would be lasagna. It’s childhood comfort food: cheesy, hearty, and always delicious. Can’t go wrong with that.
What’s one song that always puts you in a good mood?
Funnily enough, “Happy” by Pharrell always does the trick. It’s snappy, uplifting, and impossible not to smile along.
Do you have any hidden hobbies?
During COVID, I decided to learn an instrument — and I picked the bagpipes! It’s a very loud instrument, so my practice sessions are usually by the train tracks. Lessons are at the Legion in Kirkland. I can play a few tunes like Scotland the Brave, and I love the history and culture behind this unique instrument.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?
I went to Thailand with Laurence, and it was amazing! The food, the temples, the peacefulness of Buddhism — everything was beautiful. We skipped the usual tourist spots and explored Krabi province and small towns in the north. I loved the long flight — over 22 hours of uninterrupted time to see the crew in action, relax and binge a few shows!
What’s a movie or show you quote way too often?
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” It’s a line that really speaks to me.
What’s a completely useless talent you’re weirdly proud of?
I can fold towels like a pro — museum-worthy folds, if I do say so myself !
You’re in a zombie apocalypse — which co-worker do you team up with and what’s their role?
Nerissa would be my partner for sure. She’s organized, great at planning, and she’s watched The Walking Dead, so she’s definitely doomsday-ready !
