The former Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology (VMI) building will be the temporary home for a new innovation hub being established by the College of Management and Economics (CME).
Beginning this fall, the CME will be using portions of the former VMI building recently vacated by the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences. The move will allow for renovations to be completed in MacDonald Hall that will house a new centre that will support CME entrepreneurship and innovation activities.
CME is expected to be using the space for about two years.
The renovation of McDonald Hall will include:
• purpose-built classroom space to accommodate the introduction to business course that has seen enrolment jump by 30 per cent. The new space will allow students to work in small groups to create new business ideas with a social purpose. It may also be used to support “boot camps" or workshops for students from across campus with an interest in entrepreneurship
• new and expanded home for CBaSE (Cooperators Centre for Business and Social Entrepreneurship), that connects students and faculty with community partners for applied business projects
• presentation room for students presenting projects to community partners or practicing for product pitch competitions
• an innovation hub that will provide “drop-in" space for students with a new business idea, who want to meet with one of several entrepreneurs in residence (some connected with innovation Guelph and potentially also the U of G Catalyst Centre)
• career management centre
• meeting space for student clubs