Adelphi Debuts New, Renovated Facilities As Semester Starts

GARDEN CITY, NY — As Adelphi University students return to classes this fall, they will have access to a host of new and refreshed facilities. These facility enhancements including a new multicultural center and mindfulness space, were made based on the input of Adelphi students, faculty, staff and departments across campus.

"Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom," said Joe Battaglia, Adelphi's assistant vice president and director of project management. "Wherever possible, we combine space design with technology, furnishings and other elements to create welcoming, flexible spaces that enable students and faculty to collaborate and do their best work."

Ruth S. Harley University Center: Multicultural Center, Mindfulness Space

Informed by surveys and meetings seeking input from students, faculty and staff, the vision for the third floor of the Ruth S. Harley University Center (UC) finally will become reality. Construction is underway to create a Multicultural Center, mindfulness space, and Student Access Office and Testing Center.

The Multicultural Center will offer programs, activities and environments to foster intercultural understanding among students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at large. It will include an open lounge equipped with computers and printers, a conference space and staff offices in a layout conducive to collaboration and communication.

Students looking for ways to manage stress, or a quiet place to gather their thoughts, reflect and recharge, will appreciate the mindfulness space, which will promote mental and emotional health. Students will have opportunities to learn holistic strategies to reduce anxiety, while improving their concentration, productivity and overall well-being. The space will feature soft seating, subdued lighting and other amenities to create a tranquil environment.

Also opening on the third floor of the UC this fall will be a new and expanded Student Access Office and Testing Center to better serve students with disabilities. Acoustic treatment on the walls, as well as a sensory-friendly color scheme and lighting, will reduce distractions. The Testing Center will have a 22-piece soundproof testing room large enough to accommodate the students and proctor. Two individual testing rooms are also being created to host a reader or scribe when needed.

Adelphi's Interfaith Center and chapel, which was temporarily relocated to Earle Hall, will return to the third floor of the UC when construction is completed.

Blodgett Hall: Human-Computer Interaction Lab

Also this fall, computer science students will have access to the university's first human-computer interaction lab. Dr. Xiaoxing Liu, assistant professor of mathematics and computer science, said the lab in Blodgett Hall provides space and equipment to study novel user interfaces and computer users' behaviors, and to evaluate the user experience.

"We want computer systems to be not only functional, but also easy and enjoyable to use," said Liu. "Human-computer interaction is an interdisciplinary field that's becoming increasingly important. There are huge demands from industry for HCI professionals. Knowledge and expertise in user experience design/interaction research will be a great addition to our students' technical background-after all, we are designing computers for humans."

Students will also return to a renovated lecture hall, with improved lighting, acoustics and Americans with Disabilities Act-complaint accessibility. A fully updated darkroom and digital photo lab will open on the third floor of Blodgett Hall during the fall semester.

Science Building: Chemistry Laser Laboratory, Renovated Labs and Classrooms

In Adelphi's Science Building, a new chemistry laser laboratory, developed under the guidance of Dr. James Lockhart, Adelphi's assistant professor of chemistry, will allow students to apply the concepts they learn in general chemistry, quantitative analysis and physical chemistry to fundamental chemical research.

"Providing students an opportunity to witness these key scientific principles firsthand is an invaluable learning tool," said Lockhart. "The laser lab will allow students to carry out fundamental scientific research, but also appreciate how that research applies to solving important societal issues. "

Two biology labs in will be outfitted with new furniture, lighting and ceilings, with added facilities to host programs. And others are in the process of being reconfigured and completely renovated as laboratory space for faculty research.

Further Capital Projects

Consistent with public health directives easing COVID-19 social distancing requirements, Adelphi classrooms and meeting spaces are being reconfigured to return to full capacity. Plexiglass screens at podiums remain available for use at the discretion of faculty.

The first-floor corridor and lounge in Hagedorn Hall were updated with new flooring, lighting and paint, and new furniture similar to that in the UC.

Finally, Adelphi's Hauppauge Center has also undergone major cosmetic improvements, including new flooring, furniture and paint.