Centers for Study
Marilyn and Jeffery Katzenberg Center
Students can use the desktop computers or bring their own laptops. Most students simply read and study their books.
The Katzenberg Center is located on the 3rd floor of CGS and open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Center is neither a research nor lending library, but rather a place for reading and quiet study. Students must go to the Mugar Library, located at 771 Commonwealth Avenue, to research and borrow books.
The Katzenberg Center provides at least one copy of each of the textbooks assigned for all classes, as well as a variety of printed materials and study guides that faculty put on reserve for required reading.
The Center is wireless, allowing students to use their laptops. There are also several computers in the main room for student use, but students must go elsewhere to print their papers. A list of available and convenient sites for printing can be obtained at the main desk.
The Boston Globe and the New York Times are available Monday through Friday and there is a vast collection of periodicals available to students for casual reading and to keep up with current events.
Films are not available for student use through the Katzenberg Center. Students must contact the Krasker Film Library at 985 Commonwealth Avenue (617-353-8112) if they miss a CGS film. There is an information sheet at the main desk instructing students as to how to obtain films at the Krasker Film Library.
The Katzenberg Center is managed by Naomi Lomba-Gomes, whose office is located inside the center.
Matt Dursin, Audio/Visual Coordinator, is located in Room 301A.
Writing & Academic Support Center
Paul Thur and Robert Emery
The Writing & Academic Support Center, located in the Katzenberg Center on the third floor, is a comfortable space where CGS students can meet with faculty and academic specialists to strengthen their writing and general study skills.
Greetings from the CGS Writing Center!
For those of you who have visited us so far, it was good to meet you.
We are usually busy in the Writing Center. Please remember, the Center draws on a professional staff that is limited in number, so we have to operate primarily on a by-appointment basis. Of course, we welcome “walk-ins” when we can, but at busy times (especially when essays are due!) there are rarely any slots for spur-of-the-moment or short-notice appointments. Therefore, we respectfully urge you to sign up in the Writing Center, Room 330 B, as early as possible—at least several days in advance during these busy times. Anticipate those writing needs!
Also, remember your CGS professors expect and welcome you in their posted office hours, so be sure to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to receive one-on-one help with their writing assignments.
We would like to say that it’s great to see so many of you. But remember, when essays are assigned the Center is going to be very busy so, again, it’s best for you to anticipate your writing needs and make your appointments several days ahead of time. Finally, good luck on those essays!
Happy writing,
Writing Center staff
Hours of Operation
- Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Friday 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
How to Schedule an Appointment: Come to Room 330B during open hours to schedule an appointment in the Writing Center.
Canceling Appointments: If you can’t make it to an appointment in the Writing Center please come to Room 330 B to cancel or send an e-mail to Paul Thur.
Available Services
- One-on-one consultations with faculty, academic specialists, and peer academic mentors
- Writing Consultations
- Study Skills Consultations
- Workshops
- Notetaking in a large lecture and from books
- Exam-preparation strategies
- Time management
- Close reading, and more
- Handouts
- Developing a thesis
- Grammar tips
- Documentation styles, and more
Brendan F. Gilbane Study Lounge
The Gilbane Lounge is on the 1st floor, near the Jacob Sleeper Auditorium.
The newly renovated Brendan F. Gilbane Study Lounge is a quiet, monitored area for study and concentration during the day or weekday evenings. Located on the first floor just behind the JSA auditorium, it has wireless Internet access, ample seating and work space, and small group meeting rooms. The lounge is named in honor of the late CGS Dean Brendan Gilbane (DGE’50, COM’52, GRS’59, ’69) who became dean of CGS in 1974. When he retired in 2000, he was the University’s longest-serving dean.