Finding your way around the DVC campus can be just as challenging as finding a parking spot. Returning students hurry to class with ease, but newcomers wander in search of a map or someone to ask for directions.

But DVC signs are soon to undergo a makeover.   

The college received approval from the Contra Costa Community College District for a series of remodeling projects, beginning with new signs to identify campus buildings. That project is expected to start over spring break.

The second project calls for replacing the entry sign to the college, and the third is to replace the directional signs that indicate where buildings are on campus.

Work on the entry sign is estimated to begin July 1, but replacing directional signs doesn’t yet have a start date.

“It’s a monumental project,” said Guy Grace, DVC’s building and grounds manager, pointing to a shabby sign indicating the Performing Arts building. “A lot of the stuff around here is just old.”

DVC is currently in the process of pricing contractors for the project. Once decided, the company will survey the campus, propose a design and give an estimate. When accepted, construction will begin.

DVC President Judy Walters, and John Baker, interim dean of student services, said cost will not be known until the contractor is selected.

Baker recalled helping students on the first day of spring semester who couldn’t find their classes because of the poor signage.

“It’s very difficult for new students,” he said. “They should be able to find their way around.”

Baker initiated the proposal after first arriving here six months ago and not being able to navigate the campus during his first few days.

Baker teamed up with Grace and Chris Leivas, vice president of finance and administration, and walked the campus to photograph the current state of the signs.

Walters recalled how, on her first day here, she confused the entrance of the school with the “DVC Center” across Golf Club Road because of the poor visibility of the DVC sign.

“DVC is a great school and should have a new sign that reflects the school,” Walters said.