{"id":24551,"date":"2013-10-07T08:41:50","date_gmt":"2013-10-07T12:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=24551"},"modified":"2014-06-16T15:51:23","modified_gmt":"2014-06-16T19:51:23","slug":"multi-use-classroom-building-to-be-added-at-wright-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2013\/10\/07\/multi-use-classroom-building-to-be-added-at-wright-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Multiuse classroom building to be added at Wright State"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Groundbreaking for Wright State University\u2019s new Student Success Center and Classroom Building is set for Oct. 11. The 67,000-square-foot, $14.3 million facility is expected to open sometime during the spring 2015 semester.<\/p>\n

The Student Success Center and Classroom Building will include four active learning classrooms, a 225-seat auditorium, and informal student study areas. It will also become the new unified home for many vital student academic support services.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the goals was to greatly increase the number of students who utilize these services,\u201d said Thomas Sudkamp, Ph.D., Wright State vice president for curriculum and instruction. \u201cIn this building, students will be able to attend class, study and obtain academic support and advising in one place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>University College programs and services are currently scattered in four locations among three buildings. Advising and Transfer Services, First-Year Programs, the Student Academic Success Center and the Math Studio will now reside in one location. The Student Academic Success Center is the home of university tutoring services, supplemental instruction, the Math Learning Center and the University Writing Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe active learning classrooms in the new building will give many first-year students daily proximity to the wrap-around academic support services of University College, which emphasizes our focus on active cultures of learning,\u201d said Tim Littell, University College assistant dean for programming.<\/p>\n

University College programs are utilized by 6,500 students, with another 365 working as tutors, peer mentors and in other academic support roles. The current Math Studio, located in the Mathematics and Microbiology building, is full from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with students working at their own pace on computer workstations with instructors and tutors to enhance their mathematics background. The new building will provide expanded space for the \u201cmath emporium\u201d model used in the Math Studio.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The new active learning classrooms will offer students a cutting-edge educational experience.<\/p>\n

Sudkamp said these classrooms are configured to accommodate small groups working together rather than following the traditional lecture setup. Students prepare by reading and studying material before arriving for class. Class time is spent working together in peer groups under the professor\u2019s guidance. In an active learning course, class time could be devoted to problem solving, topic discussion, a group project or any other active learning activity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe classrooms will be a very interactive environment,\u201d Sudkamp said. \u201cIt will become a hands-on experience with students and faculty collaborating.\u201d<\/p>\n

Classroom tables are outfitted with a circle of laptop computers. Each group will have a SmartBoard projector and screen to help display their work or explore the topic at hand. There are currently three busy active learning classrooms on campus.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cYou might see a group of Engineering and Computer Science students working together on their senior design projects,\u201d said Matt Kijowski, senior computer systems administrator. \u201cThere is a lot of learning that takes place through peer interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

The multi-use building will provide \u201chuddle\u201d spaces for study and discussion, a study room for Raider athletes, a conference room for military and other training sessions, a courtyard, universal access and family restrooms, and a tunnel that connects to University Hall and the rest of the campus tunnel system.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis building is also very energy efficient and atmospherically friendly,\u201d said Brad Bubp, senior facilities planner. \u201cAll rainwater will be filtered through a rain garden before it enters the sewer system. There is efficient lighting. Everywhere you look, you will see evidence of best practices in designing a building today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bubp pointed out that new trees will be planted to replace those lost while preparing for the building’s construction. Sixteen trees have been moved from the site to the alumni grove.<\/p>\n

The planning process involved many people over the last four years, according to Bubp.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe this building will satisfy a lot of needs. I\u2019m proud of the way it finally came together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Annette Miller Architects designed the building and Monarch Construction of Cincinnati was selected for the construction.<\/p>\n

Learn more and see more artist renderings >><\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t