Rooms with a View
Research and best practices guide renovations Phase II renovations to the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Levitt were completed this fall, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). The five-year grant project is transforming the former Levitt Library, providing the YC community with improved information resources, academic assistance, formal instruction spaces, and zones for private and collaborative study. EDGE Academic Services, located in the Upper Level of the ARC at Levitt, is home to a powerful suite of supports, some new and some such as tutoring and disability services - that have been available at YC for several years. As part of YC’s SIP initiative, the staff has added writing and research consultations, embedded tutor study sessions, academic coaching, and specialized first-year student supports. These services are provided in an open concept environment where eye contact is easily made, and that provides numerous spaces in which students can study. Leanna Hawley, EDGE director, prioritized views that allow staff to maintain awareness of the entire Upper Level from many vantage points. “In creating a new floor plan, we were mindful of the need for students to be insulated, but not isolated, and to allow students an element of privacy while in public.” Hawley’s own office provides this for her, as well. “I can see and even participate with what happens on the Upper Level of Levitt, but I can also have a private conversation and focus when I need to.” Research has shown that the concept of studying alone, together is important for Gen Z students. Focusing on academic work in close proximity to other students who are also engaged in academics sets a synergistic environment that is ripe for great thinking. Grades improve, and students’ perceptions of their own intellectual capacity increase. “We knew sight lines were going to be important, and we were pleasantly surprised to uncover so many interesting ones,” said Brenda Sikes, director of the grant project. “Levitt’s many mid-century features were just waiting to be re-discovered. Original blueprints, hidden for years in the campus archives, provided inspiration as we considered a new layout.” The blueprints were enlarged and reprinted for use as a mural in the Lower Level.
14 | Heritage | FALL 2020
Leanna (Hood ’83) Hawley, Director, oversees all EDGE activities, and personally consults with students seeking research and writing assistance. Ms. Hawley’s guidance results in stronger documents, from term papers to medical school application essays. Tonya (Sievers ’94) Carr, Student Academic Support Services Coordinator, crafts accommodation plans for students with disabilities and special needs. Additionally, Ms. Carr provides administrative support to student tutors. Vivian (Stevens ’88) Mountjoy, Academic Mentoring Program (AMP) Coordinator, works with first-year York College students with conditional acceptance plans. Ms. Mountjoy provides developmental English instruction and coordinates freshman academic coaching. Bailey (Kinney ’15) Davis and Josh Nething ’05, Academic Coaches, provide oneon-one guidance for students seeking to improve their academic skills, habits, and performance.
