PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – The Center for the Study of Canada is being booted out of its SUNY Plattsburgh building as part of a consolidation with Clinton Community College.
A variety of pictures from official government visits, educational books, and a full library have sat in the unassuming house on Court Street for decades.
“More than 2,000 students enroll in courses on campus that have significant Canadian content — that’s in arts and science and in the school of business and economics,” said Christopher Kirkey, director of the Center for the Study of Canada and Institute on Quebec Studies.
He says it isn’t uncommon for other Canadian studies departments on other campuses to have a dedicated house.
But new tenants are moving in. SUNY Plattsburgh officials announced this week that Clinton Community College will move into the building next year as part of a consolidation plan announced in January.
It’s a move that Kirkey says he didn’t see coming. “I’m told that the move will take place immediately after commencement in May of 2025. So, we have time to obviously pack up and hopefully, we will have time to figure out and be consulted on where we might be moved to. But as of today, we haven’t a clue,” he said. It’s a move that is a cause for some concern, but ultimately a chance to find a new home on campus. “Our center’s part of this larger thing called… we call SUNY Plattsburgh, and we’re part of this larger thing called SUNY. So, as long as we have a place to do our work, we will be fine.”