Appointment of Classroom Renovation Committee
From Dr. Jean Morrison, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
The classroom experience is central to teaching and learning in a residential university. As Boston University positions itself as a premier residential research institution, we must provide a classroom experience that promotes learning and effective teaching with physical fittings appropriate to a variety of pedagogies and encouraging of pedagogical innovation. According to a recent study, BU’s classrooms received an average grade of B- for condition and comfort, with nearly 10% scoring a D or lower. The study pointed to inconsistent classroom conditions across the campus, as well as inappropriate arrangement and style of furniture that creates a less than optimal learning environment. Among the study’s recommendations was the creation of a formal governance structure to manage the ongoing maintenance, renovation, and renewal of University classrooms.
In response, the Office of the University Registrar, which oversees the majority of University classroom space on the Charles River Campus, along with Information Services & Technology (IS&T), Facilities Management & Planning (FM&P), and the Office of the University Provost have collaborated to streamline the way classroom issues are reported and addressed; increase awareness of classroom configurations and technology; and improve basic maintenance of classroom spaces. While participants in this group discuss room renovation priorities and inform the University’s space planning decisions, their work is largely operational.
Given the importance of the learning environment and the nature of the investments we need to make, I am appointing a formal Classroom Renovation Committee – comprised significantly of faculty – to provide governance of classroom standards and renovation and solicit input from colleagues across the University.
The charge to the Classroom Renovations Committee includes the following:
- Develop a five-year strategic plan for classroom improvements.
- Take responsibility for decisions regarding the proper justification and prioritization of classroom renovations, including decisions regarding the conversion of general use classrooms to other academic purposes.
- Establish, coordinate, and oversee classroom maintenance, renewal, and renovation priorities. Priorities are to be established annually using a process that solicits input from teaching faculty and students, IS&T Classroom Technology, and Facilities Management & Planning, and is conducted in an open and transparent manner.
- Develop procedures for communicating the protocol for classroom maintenance, including the process and timeline for identifying and resolving issues.
- Create and implement a unified set of classroom design guidelines for items that include: physical configuration; the kind, number and placement of instructional aids such as chalkboards and whiteboards; right-sizing to provide adequate square footage, HVAC, acoustics, lighting, and furnishings. Design guidelines will be created with input from the Center for Excellence & Innovation in Teaching and teaching faculty. The committee will provide input to and oversee compliance with classroom technology standards established through the IS&T governance process.
Please join me in thanking our colleagues who have agreed to serve on this important committee to work with you in shaping the future of our classroom renovations.
University Classroom Renovation Committee
Co-chairs:
Glen R. Hall, Professor, Department of Mathematics & Statistics, College of Arts & Sciences
Laurie A. Pohl, Vice President for Enrollment & Student Affairs
Members:
Amy Barrett, Assistant Provost for Academic Space Planning
Deborah Breen, Senior Lecturer, Arts & Sciences Writing Program, College of Arts & Sciences
Bennett Goldberg, Professor, Department of Physics, College of Arts & Sciences; Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering; and Director of STEM Education Initiatives
Susan Jackson, Associate Professor, Department of Romance Studies; and Senior Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Laura Jiménez, Lecturer, Literacy Program, School of Education
Michelle Johnson, Associate Professor of the Practice, Department of Journalism, College of Communication
Paul Rinaldi, Assistant Vice President for Planning & Design
Romy Ruukel, Associate Director, BU Digital Learning Initiative
Domenic Screnci, Executive Director for Educational Technology, Training, and Outreach, Information Services & Technology
Jeff Von Munkwitz-Smith, Assistant Vice President and University Registrar
Michael Zell, Associate Professor, Department of History of Art & Architecture, College of Arts & Sciences
(TBD) Director, Center for Excellence & Innovation in Teaching