Canes Central opens for student use

On February 19, 2021, GSW officially opened its newly renovated $3.4 million student services building, Canes Central, with a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Formerly known as the Academic Center for Excellence, students are now able to access essential student enrollment services under one roof. Conveniently located in the eye of campus, Canes Central houses the offices of Recruitment and Admissions, Student Financial Aid, Student Accounts and First- Year Experience.

GSW President Neal Weaver and Senator Freddie Powell Sims cut the ribbon on Canes Central alongside then USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley, Regent Barbara Rivera Holmes, and other GSW faculty and staff

The two-story, 23,000 square-foot building was originally constructed in 1962 and has had many names and many uses over the years. Initially serving as the campus library and classroom building, it then transitioned to the nursing department and media center and later shifted its focus to academic support with tutoring, advising, study space and a computer lab – much of what it serves as today. At its core, the 60-year old building has always been a space centered on student success and learning, which will continue on through Canes Central.

Canes Central exterior

The recent renovation modernized the building while keeping the original mid-century modern architecture in mind. Unique features such as the geometric block wall on the exterior and floating staircase in the lobby - popular trends in the 1960s – remain intact. Inside, the contemporary design is completed with natural light, open concept floorplans, adjustable desks and new seating options, all preserving the clean lines and classic forms of the building’s past.

Students study on Canes Central's second floor

The building is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, including a virtual queuing system where students can virtually enter lines of service via their mobile devices. Conference rooms and huddle rooms feature wall-mounted flat panel displays, computers, and wireless device connectivity.

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents allocated funding for the 3.4 million project in 2018 in House Bill 684, Georgia’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget.

The Canes Central lobby