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.

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.

(left) When new furniture arrived last fall, Brianna Florvilus and Kyle Wynn were quick to claim what would be their favorite spot to study in Levitt.

(right) Tonya Carr and Leanna Hawley visit with Alyssa Shaw about her work study duties in the ARC at Levitt.

(below) Ben Falco, an embedded tutor for freshman Bible, goes over class notes with students during a Student Government Spark Session.

(below center) Kitra Cody provides tutoring services for students who want help with business administration and accounting.

(base) When not occupied for test taking, the booths in the Upper Level provide students their own soundproof space.

Four soundproof privacy booths were installed to provide distractionfree environments for accommodated testing. When not in use for testing, any student is welcome to use them, and they are popular for a variety of reasons. Tonya Carr, student academic support service coordinator, shared, “Students are using our booths to do homework, study, write papers, and make videos. They provide great space for students to video chat with friends and family. They’ve become a popular stop on campus tours, with prospective students and parents frequently stepping in to experience the silent environment.”

“The five-year project timeline allows us to prototype furnishings and expand upon things that work. Having seen the benefits of our privacy booths firsthand, we anticipate adding similar equipment elsewhere in the ARC,” Sikes noted.

A glass garage door on the north side of the new classroom in the Upper Level provides a sound barrier when class is in session. In the evenings, the raised door provides a free-flow environment in which students come and go, studying in groups or alone. The oversized windows in the northwest conference room are also a draw for students. “This is one of my favorite spots on campus,” said Ben Falco, a sophomore Biblical studies major from Poteau, Okla. “The sunlight and the beautiful view provide a great atmosphere that helps me stay focused.”

Elijah Levitt, whose contributions led to the construction of Levitt Library in 1969, immigrated to the United States from Russia as a runaway. As a young man he hungered for knowledge, often hiding in his father’s cold barn to read Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. His love of great books and lively discussion fueled his decision to provide academic resources for YC.

The Board of Trustees, guided by President Sam Smith, formalized the name change from Levitt Library to Academic Resource Center at Levitt during their October meeting. Smith noted, “The ARC at Levitt maintains the legacy established by the Levitt family. The new name better identifies the space and the way it will be used by students. I am confident they will be energetic about visiting the facility and utilizing the fabulous resources we are providing to help them be successful in their education.” n