A fresh coat of paint covers the walls of the new lobby on the first floor of Sims Hall.

This is just one aspect of the makeover the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies space has undergone after receiving a $1 million donation from the Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation Inc.

The CRS department, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010, focused on renovating the space to improve the academic environment for students, according to the release.

Syracuse University alumnus Terry Skuse, a member of the College of Visual and Performing Arts Advisory Council, facilitated the donation, according to a Nov. 26 VPA news release.

“The renovations make people feel welcome and fosters a good learning environment,” said Jeffrey Good, an assistant CRS professor.

New carpeting and paint are only the beginning of the changes to the CRS department space.

The renovations, which took five months to complete, focus specifically on updating office and classroom space along with technology capabilities, according to the release.

The technology updates will be particularly helpful, Good said.

The “cutting-edge technology,” for example, will be part of a large multipurpose room that has the capability to hold events, seminars and conferences, he said. One interesting benefit is the ability for professors to Skype people from outside SU, which enables people from all over the world to contribute to discussions and lectures.

Digital welcome screens and benches have been included in the new main lobby design along with comfortable seating for prospective students and visitors. Classrooms now contain new adaptable desks for right- or left-handed students with built-in cup holders, according to the release.

Teaching assistants now have access to a new suite with 12 individual workspaces, computers and a conference area. An additional computer lab is also open to graduate students and faculty members, according to the release.

But some students, like Tevin Martin, are skeptical of the effect that this new technology will have on their classroom experience.

“I don’t think most of the technology stuff will be that important,” said Martin, a sophomore CRS major.

He said he felt more basic items, like the computers and desks, will be beneficial for student use.

“But why do we need more 50-inch flat-screen televisions?” Martin said.

Two television screens have been placed in the main lobby area, which feature news and announcements specific to the CRS department and welcome messages, according to the article.

There are already television screens all across campus with announcements, Martin said.

“Of course the renovations as a whole are great,” he said. “The desks, benches and paint all create a better classroom area.”

Other students are supportive of the new renovations, including Natalie Andrianos, a sophomore CRS major.

“I definitely think it was worth it,” she said.

The quality of education never lacked because of the old surroundings, but the new technology in each classroom will better assist learning for students, Andrianos said.

“Last year, Sims Hall was very old, run down,” she said. “It did not seem to meet its potential.”

Amos Kiewe, a CRS professor and chair of the department, said in the release that the renovations give the department a “fresh, warm atmosphere.”

“The classrooms represent our future while still maintaining a link to our rich past,” Amos said.

The updates to the department have given the space a fresh, new look, said Good, the assistant professor. The “beautiful” first floor featuring new seating and color makes it aesthetically pleasing and more inviting, he said.

“The department is very fortunate and very appreciative of the nice offices and surroundings,” Good said. “It makes coming into the office that much nicer.”

Published on December 6, 2012 at 3:06 am

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu