In an effort to create a more student-friendly environment, a new program was introduced by the Institute to merge students’ learning space with living space. As a part of this program, Nason Hall was renovated this past summer to accommodate a new classroom that is being used by the Supplemental Instruction program, the Office of the First-Year Experience, and for some academic courses.
Having a classroom at a residential area is only a first step for the Institute to initiate the Living and Learning Center. This program is to be a “cross-cultural” program; to unite the concept of living and learning at one place.
According to Oliver Homes, director of Campus Planning and Facilities Design, the Living and Learning program has long been discussed by Residence Life. However, the opportunity to make it a reality only came last February, when it was decided that Nason Hall was to be renovated. Having a classroom or program space in the residential area seemed to be a logical first step to initiate the Living and Learning program.
“Since there was not a defined program developed for a Living and Learning program, a decision was made to create a generic classroom that could be used for trying out new ways to use a learning environment,” Holmes said.
Creating a classroom in a residential area may seem new and unusual to many, but it has been put into practical use for quite some time at other schools.
“The idea of having a classroom in a residence hall is not new. It is already implemented by few other schools like University of Vermont and also The Ohio State University as part of their Living and Learning program,” said Peter Snyder, director of Residence Life.
He added, “The classroom is not only to facilitate the students but also the Residence Life staff for any of their activities.”
Apparently, the increased number of the first-year students is also a contributing factor to the program. The record-breaking number of incoming freshmen creates a problem of learning places that needs a solution. The additional space that Nason Hall’s classroom provides has released the pressure of having insufficient classrooms.
The feedback from the faculty seems to be positive. For them, a good environment for the students is all that counts towards their teaching process. The idea of incorporating the learning space with living space would only reach its objective if the convenience of the students is made first.
“The environment is a little more relaxed and cozier. I am able to work with my students on a one-to-one basis a little easier. Hopefully, the students like this and will get more out of the learning process,” said Professor John Polimeni who teaches his Introductory Economics class in Nason Hall.
However, in contradiction to the feedback from the faculty, some students find the new concept an annoyance.
“I find it very annoying that it’s so far from all other classroom buildings, and subsequently far from the shuttle stops,” said Jay Nadler ’06. “Having all of the classes in the same general vicinity is a great convenience.”
Apart from the distance, students also question the safety issue when the residence hall is easily entered from the classroom.
Nadler said, “It seems a poor idea to have a door that goes from the classroom into the hall. It defeats the whole purpose of having a security system for the main door.”
As the Living and Learning program matures, more plans are being made to develop the residential area. The Institute is evaluating a plan to have a similar classroom in Warren Hall, in addition to considering classroom space in a new residence hall that is already being planned. The program is also looking at incorporating classrooms into a new student community center that is in planning for east campus.
