GARDEN CITY, NY – As students at Adelphi University return to classes this fall, they will have access to a host of new and renovated facilities. These facility improvements, including a new Multicultural Center and Mindfulness Space, were made based on input from Adelphi students, faculty, staff and departments on campus.
“Learning happens both in and out of the classroom,” said Joe Battaglia, Adelphi’s assistant vice president and director of project management. “Wherever possible, we combine space design with technology, furniture and other elements to create welcoming and flexible spaces that allow students and faculty to collaborate and do their best.”
Ruth S. Harley University Center: Multicultural Center, Mindfulness Space
Informed by surveys and meetings seeking feedback from students, faculty, and staff, the vision for the third floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center (UC) will finally become a reality. Construction is underway to create a multicultural center, mindfulness space, student access office, and testing center.
The Multicultural Center will provide programs, activities and environments to foster cross-cultural understanding among students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at large. It will include an open lounge equipped with computers and printers, conference space and staff offices in a layout conducive to collaboration and communication.
Students looking for ways to manage stress or a quiet place to gather their thoughts, reflect and recharge will appreciate the mindfulness space, which will promote mental and emotional health. Students will have the opportunity to learn holistic strategies to reduce anxiety, while improving their focus, productivity, and overall well-being. The space will include plush seating, dim lighting and other amenities to create a tranquil environment.
This fall, a new student access office and testing center will also open on the third floor of UC to better serve students with disabilities. Acoustic treatment on the walls, along with a sensory color palette and lighting, will reduce distractions. The test center will have a 22-room soundproof test room large enough to accommodate students and the proctor. Two individual test rooms are also being created to accommodate a reader or scribe should the need arise.
The Adelphi Interfaith Center and Chapel, which was temporarily relocated to Earle Hall, will return to the third floor of UC when construction is complete.
Blodgett Hall: Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Also this fall, computer science students will have access to the university’s first human-computer interaction lab. Dr. Xiaoxing Liu, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, said the Blodgett Hall lab provides space and equipment to study new user interfaces and computer user behaviors, and to assess user experience. .
“We want computer systems to be not only functional, but also easy and enjoyable to use,” Liu said. “Human-computer interaction is an interdisciplinary field that is becoming increasingly important. There are huge industry demands for HCI professionals. Knowledge and expertise in user experience design/ Interaction research will be a great addition to our students’ technical training – after all, we design computers for humans.”
Students will also return to a renovated lecture hall, with improved lighting, acoustics and accessibility. A fully updated darkroom and digital photo lab will open on the third floor of Blodgett Hall during the fall semester.
Science building: chemistry laser laboratory, renovated laboratories and classrooms
In the Adelphi Science Building, a new Chemistry Laser Lab, developed under Dr. James Lockhart, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Adelphi, will allow students to apply the concepts they learn in general chemistry, quantitative analysis and physical chemistry to basic chemical research.
“Providing students with the opportunity to witness these key scientific principles is an invaluable learning tool,” Lockhart said. “The laser lab will allow students to conduct basic scientific research, but also to appreciate how this research applies to solving important societal problems.”
Two biology labs will be outfitted with new furniture, lighting and ceilings, with additional facilities to accommodate programs. And others are being reconfigured and completely renovated into laboratory spaces for faculty research.
Other investment projects
In line with public health guidelines easing COVID-19 social distancing requirements, Adelphi classrooms and meeting spaces are being reconfigured to return to full capacity. Plexiglas screens on the podiums remain available for use at the discretion of faculty.
Hagedorn Hall’s first-floor hallway and lounge have been updated with new flooring, lighting and paint, and new furniture similar to UC’s.
Finally, the Hauppauge Center in Adelphi has also undergone significant cosmetic upgrades, including new flooring, furniture and paint.
