The new University of Rhode Island Academic Enhancement Center opened on Thursday in the lower level of the Robert L. Catrothers Library, debuting $65,000 in upgrades including more space and technology for student visits.
The AEC is a part of the URI Fannon Institute for Student Success, providing tutoring for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business courses for students. There were 15,000 student visits to the AEC last year.
The renovations transformed a former computer lab into a new drop-in tutoring center for STEM and business students.
“We have been in this space for a couple of years: white walls, blank space and no technology,” AEC Director Jennifer Burgess said. “It was a room that provided a good space for tutoring.”
A $65,000 donation from Diane and Kent Fannon ‘74, longtime alumni donors and namesakes of the university’s Institute for Student Success, allowed the AEC to transform the old space into a more modern classroom.
“We received a very generous investment from the Fannons,” Burgess said. “They donated money that enabled us to turn it into this beautiful active learning environment.”
Upgrading the space’s technology was the primary focus of the renovation.
“Nine television displays with the ability to turn them into pods for each tutoring station,” Burgess said. “You can have them displaying the same thing at once, and displaying different things at times.”
The primary reason for the renovation was to create a more dynamic and accessible learning environment for everyone who visits and works in the AEC.
Tutors can now project their laptops onto the television screens, which solves the issue of students and tutors huddling around a single laptop to view slideshows.
“I used to host a big group of students for organic chemistry,” fourth-year chemistry tutor Rushill Nepal said. “If I wrote something on the board, it would be unclear for students to read it. Now if it’s on the screen, it’s clear for them to write notes or ask any questions.”
During the ceremony, anatomy student tutors presented the new Metaquest virtual reality software that transforms static textbook diagrams into interactive, room-scale 3D human anatomy models and provides a dynamic learning environment.
“I looked at the VR simulation in anatomy physiology and it was amazing,” Nepal said. “You could take the skull out, see the muscle, tear the muscle and see the fibers coming out. It’s very advanced, and I’m very proud to be a part of this team and space.”
The AEC is looking to expand its subject areas outside of the STEM and business fields. It recently opened a writing and speaking studio, which provides students with the opportunity to talk through presentations, interviews and speeches, according to Burgess.
“We now provide a writing and speaking studio on the bottom floor of Roosevelt Hall,” Burgess said. “That is a brand new service this fall, which is really exciting.”
The new space also allows the AEC to train their staff, which was just as important in the AEC’s investment.
“It’s because we are serving the whole community of undergraduate students, and we have a staff of 175 student employees,” Burgess said. “It can be really hard to find a space that can fit all of those people at once when we want to do big professional development opportunities.”
It is important for students to seek help in their academics, according to Burgess. Many students currently visit the AEC, and there is a potential for more visits in the future.
“Students are seeking help as key to their success,” Burgess said. “It used to be stigmatized to seek help and maybe some students still feel that way. This is a place for all students. If you’re having a hard time, you can come. The best thing you can do is to seek help before you need it.”
By establishing this new center, the AEC restored the communication services lost when the former speaking center in Ranger Hall was defunded, according to Burgess.
Students can visit the AEC in Room 004, located in the basement of the library, Monday through Thursday between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Students can make an appointment on the AEC TutorTrac software.
For more information about drop-in tutoring at the AEC, visit their website.
