December 31, 2011

UNK celebrates first Nebraska learning commons

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By Sarah Giboney, originally published on KearneyHub.com on 11/5/11.

A math tutor works patiently with a student struggling with a math problem. A supplemental instructor shares her passion for a subject with a student who needs motivation. A group of students hover over chemistry books and listen intently to their tutor. This is a typical evening in the Learning Commons at the Calvin T. Ryan Library at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“All of these examples demonstrate the spirit of learning that’s always been present on this campus,” said Sam Schneider, a supplemental instruction student peer leader. “But until now, it’s been disconnected and decentralized.”

Administrators, faculty, staff and students gathered Friday to celebrate the new Learning Commons, which is the first in a public institution in the state of Nebraska. “Learning is proactive, learning is fluid, learning is intensely satisfying and learning is made better by spaces like this,” said Charles Bicak, senior vice chancellor of academic and student affairs.

In the past two years, the library and the Division of Student Affairs have collaborated to establish student-centered support in the library. Last year, Academic Peer Tutoring joined the Writing Center on the second floor of the library. Last spring, one-third of the second floor, which previously housed study tables and carrels, was refurbished with new carpet, three glass-walled study rooms, wiring, paint and a reception desk for tutoring services. “It’s a place for study, for group work, for socializing, for creating,” said Janet Wilke, the dean of the library. “Libraries are no longer quiet places with discussion rooms. They’re noisy places with quiet spaces added in.”

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Filed under: Academic Learning Centers,College

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