The Faculty of Engineering is on schedule for its move into its new home.

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the Centre for Engineering Innovation even as movers begin the process of placing specialized equipment for research and instruction into the building.

The first truckloads of equipment arrived from Essex Hall on Thursday, says Jennifer Di Domenico, a project manager with JPT Management, the firm overseeing the construction.

“There is a lot of activity on the site right now,” she says. “While the University will take occupancy of the CEI on August 24, some construction will continue after that date.”

Faculty offices are nearing completion; Mayhew and Associates will begin delivery of office furniture in mid-August. Furniture for public spaces, including the atrium, is not scheduled to arrive until October.

“Our top priority is ensuring the student labs are ready to go by September 17,” says Di Domenico. “At every stage, the University has made it clear that the learning spaces must take precedence.”

Most classrooms and the undergraduate labs will open on September 17. Exceptions include the 350-seat learning forum and the third-floor graduate lab, which are slated for completion later in the semester.

“We are hoping that the students will be able to observe and learn from the work that will continue in the building even after the start of classes,” says Di Domenico, a two-time Windsor Engineering grad (BASc 2004, MASc 2006). “It’s a part of their UWindsor experience that will provide insight into real-world engineering.”

The process of moving non-specialty items, including existing furniture, files, books and lab equipment from Essex Hall, will begin September 4, in conjunction with the arrival of new equipment, such as classroom teaching consoles.