Although the Lehman Teaching and Learning Commons continuously works
with faculty and students year round, a consistent, accessible, innovative
teaching and learning space has yet to exist. We are glad to announce, however,
that this much needed space is now in the works of planning and building. With
the support of CUNY and the Bronx Borough, a space for innovative teaching and
learning will now exist on our campus. The Lehman Teaching and Learning Commons
will be expanding into the Old Gym Building Pool Area that has been used for
storage since 1993.
For a long time now, our campus has lacked a space in which
ideas, plans, workshops, and trainings, involving teaching and learning between
faculty, students, and staff, can take place.
The
renovation of the Pool Area will begin in the summer of 2015 and construction
is estimated to be done by spring 2017. The renovated space will have multiple
sections that will support innovative teaching & learning through
technology such as media tables, digital dining booths, monitor plug in areas,
as well as workshop and training areas for small or large group meetings. The
space will also provide faculty with a lounge and breakout area for informal meetings,
work and study spaces. We plan to have a space available where lectures
and film series can take place with comfortable seating arrangements. The new Lehman
Teaching & Learning Commons will be strictly accessible to faculty only,
throughout the day and late afternoon hours. The lounge area will be open to
students during the late evening hours.
The model
for the new Lehman Teaching and Learning Commons currently includes three large
areas and three smaller areas that will each support teaching and learning activities:
- Group Rooms
- Learning Café/Pantry
- Training/Study Area
- Breakout Area
- Media Tables
- Open Lounge and Study Area
At the
moment we are seeking further funding to support the technology and furniture
needed for the space. Some of our options include naming spaces, grants,
foundations, and Lehman College alumni. Through the Old Gym Building’s rich
history as one of the original four main buildings of Hunter in the Bronx built
it 1931, we are also looking at other funding opportunities. During WWII, the Old
Gym Building was used as a training facility for the Navy WAVES & SPARS. The pool area was also used as the U.N. press
room during the first Security Council sessions that were held in the U.S.
during March 25th, 1946 through August 15th, 1946. The rich
history on our campus can help support the renovation of the pool area and our
goals for the space. With the addition of this great innovative area, Lehman
College continues to expand the facilities on its campus providing present and
future faculty, students, and staff, with necessary resources for teaching and
learning.
What are
your thoughts on the space? As faculty members, staff, and students, can you
envision yourselves using this space for your project, meetings, and workshops?
Do you have ideas for funding? All comments and ideas are welcome.
Link to Prezi presentation on renovation project:
