(April 23, 2021) – The Pilot Classroom Project is a new initiative created to enhance student learning with new classroom furniture and academic technology, and will pave the way for future classroom improvements. Initiated by Provost and Senior Vice President or Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy and Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar Mendez, this project includes the renovation of six interior classrooms and the addition of four outdoor classrooms.
Paul Goodman, associate vice president for Facilities, said that with the support of UTSA leadership and many departments, Facilities is gaining critical knowledge regarding the cost and timing needed to assist with future classroom upgrades. “Many of our classrooms have outdated and insufficient furniture and technology to support today’s teaching needs,” said Goodman. “This pilot project brings together Facilities staff, Academic Innovation and Space Management to plan strategic classroom improvements.”
In early March, Facilities began renovating six indoor classrooms in the Business and Multidisciplinary Studies buildings. Facilities’ primary focus is to update academic technology and furniture to support various levels and styles of student learning. Classroom renovations will also include new flooring, paint, glass marker boards, electrical power and ADA improvements for accessibility.
Construction of four new outdoor study and collaboration spaces begins soon, and will be located on the northeast corner of the Flawn Sciences Building and south of the Student Union. Project sneak peeks will be available through Facilities’ social media accounts.
Facilities team prepares classroom 2.01.14 in the Business Building for upcoming upgrades.
Benjamin Perry, university architect, said he is happy about the upcoming classroom transformations. “This project will help Facilities serve students in an unprecedented way. Whether it be an indoor or outdoor setting, Facilities is prepared to respond to our students’ needs in today’s digital-shifting environment.”
One of Perry’s goals is to ensure students and faculty are comfortable in the classrooms. To achieve that goal, he and his team established a furniture classroom survey that allows students, faculty and staff to try indoor and outdoor furniture, and vote on their favorites. Perry and his team are confident the survey will help guide them to select new modern and comfortable furniture.
The Facilities Furniture Survey included a vast amount of outdoor and indoor classroom selections.
In the coming months, Facilities will work diligently to complete the Pilot Classroom Project prior to the start of the fall semester. To stay up to date with the project, follow Facilities on Instagram and Twitter, or visit our website.