Future of the Lehman Teaching & Learning Commons: Old Gymnasium Pool Renovation

           

 

             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 25^th, 1946 through August 15^th, 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: 

Old Gymnasium Pool Renovation