As a result of the renovations on the Humanities Building, the Writing and English Departments were recently relocated to the Life Sciences Library. The two-story building has been transformed to hold the many offices belonging to directors, professors, and lecturers from both departments.
‘We have offices fitted with new furniture,’ said Writing Program Lecturer Ronald DePeter about the accommodations. ‘Each faculty member who previously shared a computer now has his or her own. The accommodations have been advantageous.’
The building is equipped with the English Department Office, the Writing Program Main Office, an English Department Faculty Lounge, a Writing Center, an Electronic Computer Labs for classes, and a Poetry Center, along with student lounges.
The Writing Center, a Service of the Program in Writing and Rhetoric, provides tutorials for individuals and small groups of students. It serves as an ***’on-campus resource and reference center for composition.’*** The center is located in room L79, and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays.
Some professors noted the inconveniences of the new offices. ‘My students can’#146;t ever find me. The cubicles and the location of the building all donate to that,’ said Susan Pilewski, adjunct instructor for the Writing Program. ‘The most negative aspect would have to be the location of classes. I have five sections in five different buildings. One class is in the gym.’
Some students had similar concerns. ‘All my classes are on the main part of campus,’ said freshman Peter Quach. ‘I had to go to the Life Sciences Library for a meeting with my writing professor, and it required going in a direction I have never been before.’
Other freshmen disagreed. ‘I just got here, so finding the Life Sciences Library was as difficult as finding the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) building,’ said Gaurav Verma. ‘It really doesn’#146;t matter. We just have to be patient.’
However, Pilewski looked to the brighter side of the renovations. Referring to the construction on Humanities, she said, ‘I am pleased that they were able to get everything together and that they are going to get this done.’
Anne Beaufort, the Associate Director of the Writing Program, stated what many seemed to think of the renovations and relocation process.
‘They did the best they could under the circumstances,’ Beaufort said.
