The common area on the first floor of Murray-Herrick Campus Center has long been a spot for St. Thomas students to relax and study in peace, quiet and comfortable chairs. The space has changed since the beginning of this school year.

Previously known as the Blue Lagoon, the area was recently renamed the Center for Student Achievement. The CSA includes SMART boards, to which students can connect phones and other devices, a new computer bay, printer, whiteboards and space dividers for students looking for privacy.

According to the St. Thomas website, the renovation is meant to “empower students as they navigate academic and professional goals.”

In May, the Undergraduate Student Government allocated $100,000 for the establishment of CSA.

Sophomore Michael Sullivan, the USG Vice President of Academic Affairs, worked with St. Thomas staff members, including Tonia Jones-Peterson, Karen Lange, Wendy Wyatt and Richard Plumb, on the proposal.

“What this space shows is that Undergraduate Student Government and the students, along with the administration and their partnership, is putting academics on the forefront of what we’re trying to do to make sure we’re setting students up for success in the classroom while they’re here at St. Thomas,” Sullivan said.

The Center for Student Achievement has designated areas for Information Technology Services support and academic counseling. The common area on the first floor of Murray-Herrick Campus Center was previously known as the Blue Lagoon. (Sophia Becker/ TommieMedia)

 

Murray Hall Resident Adviser Maria Baklund thinks the newly renovated CSA is a “good intermediary” between a social area and a hardcore study zone.

“It’s a good space to get a little bit of extra homework done, a little bit of studying or just a place to sit down and open up your laptop,” she said.

To her, the change shows the environment St. Thomas is trying to create on campus.

“I think what it says about St. Thomas is that they care to update and change spaces as different needs are realized,” she said.

The center will feature a welcome desk with specially trained student workers from Information Technology Services and Academic Counseling and Support to offer a wide range of assistance.

Junior Hannah Schulz works at the desk as an ITS representative. To her, the welcome desk represents a “place where you can get all your questions answered in person rather than calling them up and talking over the phone.”

She is also excited about the future possibilities the desk offers.

“We’re starting it up and seeing where it’s going to be most useful, which direction will be the one that receives the most response from students and faculty,” Schulz said.

Given that Murray-Herrick is located near the center of North Campus, the CSA is meant to connect students with the help they need in a convenient and personal manner.

CSA is currently open to the public, but its official ribbon-cutting ceremony is Oct. 9.

Jack Stanek can be reached at stan5468@stthomas.edu.