We the students of Southwest Minnesota State University oppose the redesign and move of the Academic Commons in the Individual Learning Building.
Students use the Academic Commons each day for the math tutoring center, chemistry/biology tutoring, and psychology/sociology tutoring. The academic commons provides many students with a space available to complete group work, work on projects either on the computers or on the large tables provided, complete study tables hours for sport teams, or use the materials provided by the Academic Commons to complete the assignments given to them. The academic commons also allows students to work in an environment where they can interact with other students and share their ideas, with out having to interrupt someone else’s quiet space or find a limited group study room. The academic commons provides a positive environment for students who learn best with light background noise. When prospective students come tour SMSU, they are intrigued by the academic commons and are excited to know they have a space in the school for them to interact with other students in their courses in a supportive environment. The academic commons also provides the curriculum of the surrounding schools. This allows the education students to study the teacher’s manuals and become prepared to best teach and decide curriculum when they are a teacher of their own. The location of the Academic Commons is the most essential part of it. Many students see it as a place for them to communicate with their peers and professors with out disrupting other people in the area. The academic commons is an area created and used for collaboration with peers. The academic commons is a useful area for all students of Southwest Minnesota State University to utilize as they complete their degree.
We the students of Southwest Minnesota State University are against the redesign of the Academic commons.
