UAA Learning Commons in new location

The UAA Learning Commons has moved to the Consortium Library. The new space is bright and modern with plenty of space for students to study. Large windows allow for refreshing amounts of light in the space and along with stylish light fixtures.

The space is home to several tutoring programs, such as the Math Lab and Writing Center. Students from all majors are able to get help from the available tutors, even on non-school related topics like resume writing.

Learning Commons Executive Director Cameron Nay sat down for an interview with The Northern Light to talk about the new Learning Commons location and the services provided.

“We were tasked this fall with … taking on any tutoring that was offered at UAA,” explained Nay.

“There were a lot of pockets that weren’t part of the Learning Commons where student fees were paying for those tutoring [services].” Nay said the Learning Commons took on those programs through a new fee structure worked out with Provost Denise Runge.

Planning for the new Learning Commons location has taken place over the past couple years, said Nay.

“It’s been probably at least two years since they … thought about the concept .. A little more than a year ago we were … determining the footprint and what would work for tutoring – how many offices, how the space should be laid out.”

In part, the decision to put the Learning Commons in the library was made because it can help students better integrate their academic needs. Access to the library’s services is now easier for students needing to use both it and the Learning Commons.

Nay also said that many universities put their Learning Commons – or similar programs – within libraries.

Nay said that another reason for the location change was a grant given to UAA’s School of Nursing to construct “simulation labs” in the old location of the Learning Commons in Sally Monserud Hall. The Learning Commons had to find a new space in a timely manner in order to allow construction to begin on the simulation labs.

The new labs will provide “better hands-on experience” to nursing students, said Nay.

“They’re going to redo the entire building, so it will all be … nursing focused.” Nay said that the remodeling of Sally Monserud Hall is expected to commence soon. “So that’s the biggest push to getting us over here was just so that we would get out of the way for [them].”

“We’re happy,” said Nay. “... we’ve been really close with the library through the years, so we’ve always felt that we belonged in the library.”

Students in need of tutoring or other services can find more information on the Learning Commons website.

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