Classroom Center ‘success’: Reconstruction furthers WTAMU’s educational goals

Students at the SCC | PHOTO BY FRANKIE SANCHEZ

Dino Griego
Staff Reporter

Ghost of WTAMU past
Over four decades ago the Classroom Center was up-to-date with the times; however, as years went by, the capacity was soon overburdened.

Eventually, people felt that students needs weren’t being met, and in 2007 the Texas Legislation passed a bill that allotted over $17 million devoted to the CC, opening up the doors for an extreme overhaul.Continuously pursuing excellence, and striving to enhance the facility both aesthetically and educationally, WT cut the ribbon for the newly renovated CC on August 24, 2009.

As the students start to adjust, a new feel begins to erupt on campus.

OH DANG! That building is fly.
Previous to the renovation period, the first floor resembled every other floor—a hallway. When deciding how to redesign the place, the committee agreed a more open scheme would be the best option.

For that reason alone, more windows were incorporated and walls were torn down.

“We wanted to have an open community available,” Campbell said. “We needed an area where students felt that their best interests were being served, and if the place looked closed off, they would be more susceptible to not seek help.”

“It’s honestly starting to feel like a big university,” Wes Condray, student orientation coordinator, said. “Due to all of the activity, the largest freshman class WT has ever seen, and the renovations in the CC, it’s pretty easy to see that WT is doing something right. We’re definitely heading in the right direction.”

As a former student, Condray reflects on how far WT has come.

“When I was an undergrad, the office I sit in now, and the desk I occupy used to be an elevator shaft,” Condray said. “Now it’s a part of a growing community shared with great co-workers, and great students.”

The Student Success Center | PHOTO BY FRANKIE SANCHEZ

X = MC2
This event gave way to a new and refurbished building updated with smart classroom technology and eager teachers updated with PowerPoint, better visualizations and other opportunities to change learning plans and instruction.

“Most of the old rooms located throughout the building were not smart rooms,” Kendra Campbell, Director of Learning Communities, said. “Now, almost every classroom is equipped with some of the finest technology available, and we can also be more competitive with other colleges.”

With the advancements offered through the CC, resources are readily available.

“As a student I find the CC to be very effective,” Rafeea Almas, junior general business major, said. “The place really allows the university to modernize its utilities, and it allows the students to equip themselves with the best exemplary service possible. I enjoy knowing that we are a more well rounded university.”

To oversee the CC, the directors of each department had a meeting to find the best manager for the job.

“We decided to hire Amber Black,” Campbell said. “She and her husband both went to WT and now they are moving back down to this area. We are looking forward to having her here and a part of the team.”

Can I get a witness?
Similarly, the CC is pivotal to faculty. Instead of having to deal with cross campus meetings, everything is in one location.

“In the past, we had to go to 11 different locations when we had our faculty group discussions,” Campbell said. “Now we all go to one room that is down the hall instead of on the opposite side of campus. It just helps keep people organized.”

Back to the future
With the final plans being put into effect with the CC, future plans could include a sports complex (previously voted on last semester), a new residence hall (to help with the augmented number of persons on campus), tearing down of the Old Fine Arts Building (talks of a parking garage have sprung up), some more landscape (around the area where the construction crews have occupied) and JBK expansion (this would still have to be voted upon during the next election).

WT hopes to increase its enrollment and level of participation with its current students.

“Through our current and planned developments, I see WT being a social, educational and extracurricular competitive college. A college that helps and guides students through the unforeseen future of tomorrow,” Condray said.

Student Success Center Resources

• Located on the first floor
  • STARR Center (advising center and counseling)
  • Student Employment Services
  • Student Counseling Services
  • Career Services
  • Educational Services (tutoring, testing, and supplemental instruction)
  • Disability Services
  • First Year Experience (New Student Orientation, Learning Communities)
  • Life Services
  • Nationally Competitive
  • Scholarships
  • Student Support Services
  • Study Abroad
  • Transfer Center
  • Writing Center