Learning commons in Dugan open for business

Sep 19, 2024
Students, staff, faculty and ASC sisters gather to celebrate the grand opening of "The Hub" at Newman University.
Students, staff, faculty and ASC sisters gather to celebrate the grand opening of "The Hub" at Newman University.

Students, faculty, staff and guests of campus may have noticed the Dugan Library space looks much different this semester.

That’s because it’s been transformed into The Hub — an area that contains the learning commons, Center for Teaching and Learning and the Student Success Center.

"Before" photos of the learning commons, previously the first floor of the Dugan Library, feature bookshelves, dark carpet, burnt orange walls.
“Before” photos of the learning commons, previously the first floor of the Dugan Library.
"After" images of the learning commons.
“After” images of the learning commons.

The learning commons

The learning commons, located on what was previously the first floor of the Dugan Library, features study and collaborative spaces for students plus whiteboards and smart boards available for use.

Newman student Eventz Malaska shows Sister Mary Kevin, ASC, how to use the smart boards.
Newman student Eventz Malaska shows Sister Mary Kevin, ASC, how to use the smart boards.

The Center for Teaching and Learning

The Center for Teaching and Learning is located toward the back of the learning commons as a place for faculty to come together to take part in open dialogue, research and reflection, as well as programming facilitated by Director of Teaching and Learning Marguerite Regan.

“Teaching and learning is the soul of our university, and faculty need an on-campus support system just as much as the students they teach,” Regan said. “This space provides a greater sense of belonging for faculty to learn from one another and experiment with teaching methods.”

The Student Success Center

These spaces support the mission of the Student Success Center, which supports students’ academic journeys and acts as a one-stop-shop for most student resources.

“We want to ensure that all students have access to the services they need, including those with disabilities or underrepresented,” said Director of Student Success Jeannie Ross. “Students can receive regular check-ins, help with study skills, time management and critical thinking, as well as guidance with career planning. We want the Student Success Center to be a community that supports the students as well as faculty and staff to create a comprehensive support network.”

Students study and work together in the Student Success Center.
Students study and work together in the Student Success Center.

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