The Sam Ibrahim Building

I am delighted to join in celebrating this milestone in the dynamic history of the University of Toronto Scarborough. Instructional Centre 2 is the latest advancement in inclusive excellence at UTSC, and one of several new buildings across the wider U of T that are scheduled to begin construction in the next couple of years. We are in an exciting period of growth, providing state-of-the-art spaces for teaching and research while strengthening the city around us. UTSC has a distinguished history of innovation and community engagement, and IC2 will make this campus more vibrant still. It is so exciting to see UTSC growing along with Scarborough and the Toronto region as a whole. Congratulations on this next step in the development of this wonderful community of learning and discovery.

The new Instructional Centre 2 building, is another step towards the evolution of our campus and fulfilling our campus Master Plan. The five-storey best-in-class instructional facility, will occupy a prominent place on our north campus, and redefines technology-enhanced facilities, with state-of-the-art classrooms designed for optimal learning, student study and hangout spaces focused on wellness and sustainable design that champions energy efficiency. IC2 will include 23 lecture halls and classrooms, a 500-seat theatre-in-the-round auditorium, 124 faculty and staff offices, a café garden, courtyards and a green roof. An important element of the building is the intentional, accessible areas, signalling our commitment to inclusive learning experiences. This is an exciting next step in the evolution of our campus, and signals a boost to the student experience here at the Univeristy of Toronto Scarborough.

IC2 is a building that will be devoted to modern learning, with spaces that ensure students and faculty will be able to work together in an inclusive scholarly and educational environment. This building in particular is designed with the needs of students in mind. IC2 will bring together dynamic, innovative pedagogical elements, and will house most of our student services under one roof. These spaces and services together, will provide a milieu that allows students to thrive in their academic studies, explore passions beyond the classroom and get the support they need along the way. Students will work with faculty members who are leaders in their field, who not only offer the best in teaching, but hands-on research opportunities. Together, we will make this new addition to U of T Scarborough a place of world-leading research and education. IC2 is one more example of the pursuit of inclusive excellence that is our campus philosophy.

I'm excited that the construction of our next major campus building - Instructional Centre 2 is now underway. As the campus continues to evolve, our focus remains on enhancing the student experience at UTSC and IC2 will be home to our new student services hub, and a one-stop shop for student success. This shared space will be a gateway for intentional support to students with everything from academic questions to personal development – whatever students need to achieve their academic goals! The hub will serve as an inclusive and accessible space for students to learn, study and connect with each other. With multiple departments sharing this space, we will continue to work together to enhance student development inside and outside the classroom, through collaborations with campus stakeholders and partnerships with the local community - all of which aligns with our strategic direction of Inspiring Inclusive Excellence.

This is great news to start a wonderful chapter in the IC2, I am excited to be part of this groundbreaking celebration. I am looking forward to see the IC2 in full service when the time comes. Congratulations to one and all, may you be guided with excitement and determination to achieve your goals.

As the President of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union I would like to extend my warmest wishes and congratulations to the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus for taking the necessary steps to put students first. This is not only a virtual groundbreaking celebration for the Instructional Centre 2 building, but a victory for all the future students. IC2 will be home to the new Student Service Centre departments and will have brand new and innovative classrooms. There will also be social and collaborative spaces for students and we are all excited for this building and UTSC’s commitment to put students first! Thank you!