Health Science Center faculty, staff and students can expect to see renovations in four of the most frequented lecture halls in the Medical School building: 209L, 309L, 409L and 444B.
The plans were made by a collaborative effort among several departments, including facilities management, academic and information services, and academic space allocation, planning and scheduling.
New ceilings, equipment and technological upgrades will contribute to a more efficient learning environment and better represent our advancing institution.
“The old ceilings were difficult to clean,” said Hector Gonzalez, director of academic space allocation, planning and scheduling. “So, over the years they accumulated a lot of dirt and dust.” The 30-year-old plaster ceilings were replaced with modern drop-down ceilings. “Our institution is state-of-the-art and we want to make sure we reveal that in every way possible.”
Other changes include an upgraded lighting system, including a more efficient note-taking lighting mode and halogen spotlights directed at the presenters’ console. The available lighting adjustments help during PowerPoint presentations and add visual clarity during teleconferences. The presenter has the ability to adjust sound levels and lighting, and view two screens that show the presentation at both the local and remote sites.
“We are upgrading the means by which we deliver instruction for everyone,” Gonzalez said.
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| Refinished doors in Room 309L add to the new, sleek appearance. | |
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Two rooms are already complete: 309L and 409L. Gonzalez said the renovations for 209L and 444B are scheduled for December 2005 and May 2006, respectively.
“Although each room takes approximately seven weeks to complete, the demand for the rooms is high,” Gonzalez said. “These four rooms are by far the most requested, so the renovations are taking place when they are least needed by the Health Science Center community.”
All four rooms are expected to be complete within the next year.
Pat Rocha, work control coordinator and the renovation project manager, and the facilities management department have been strong assets to the success of this project. Among many things, the project involves carpenters tearing out the old ceiling and installing the new ceiling, electricians replacing the lights, painters upgrading crown molding and refinishing doors, and custodial services thoroughly cleaning each room upon completion.
“It is well documented that the aesthetics of a facility contribute to the attraction and retention of students, faculty and staff,” said Darrell Maatsch, director of facilities management. “Hopefully, this is just the beginning of this kind of effort at the Health Science Center and it will contribute to the success of our community by attracting quality personnel and creating a positive teaching and learning environment.”
