As Huskies returned to St. Cloud State University this fall, they found new upgrades to dozens of classrooms across campus. The upgrades demonstrate SCSU’s commitment to investing in and reinvigorating its physical spaces and instructional technology to provide the best learning experiences for students.
SCSU’s Information Technology Services (ITS) and Facilities Management upgraded 58 classrooms over the summer, making significant improvements across campus for the 2024-25 academic year.
The updates include technology changes, lighting upgrades, floor replacements, whiteboard improvements and more. Facilities Management has moved over 1,000 of pieces of furniture across campus in an effort to realign resources to provide enhanced learning environments for SCSU students.
“As the University advances the goals of its comprehensive facilities plan, we viewed this as an opportunity for interdepartmental collaboration to create modern learning environments for our students,” said Kelly Bartlow, Facilities Planning and Construction Director. “By incorporating flexible spaces and interactive technology, these classrooms empower students and enhance their ability to succeed on a personal level.”
Creating these new learning spaces was a collaborative effort between Academic Affairs, various academic departments and Public Safety in addition to Facilities Management and ITS. Working together, these groups were able to strategically envision the future of classroom spaces.
With the College of Education and Learning Design’s move to Stewart Hall this year, a number of classes on the third floor were renovated. The traditional riser rows and tablet arm desks have been replaced with open table seating that supports the latest trends in active learning, which can improve student outcomes.
“These upgrades will provide a space that better reflects the learning environments our future educators will be working in,” said Melissa Hanzsek-Brill, Dean of the College of Education and Learning Design. “The open, collaborative atmosphere these classrooms provide will make COELD’s new location in Stewart Hall feel like home.”
Centennial Hall has also seen major updates, with the installation of a wall-sized video screen allowing for high-quality distance conferencing in CH100’s auditorium. CH 454 has also changed from a stationary computer lab to a flexible, active learning environment.
Work will continue throughout the semester to provide new and improved classroom settings for SCSU students.
