New SIC Learning Commons to hold ribbon-cutting

HARRISBURG - Southeastern Illinois College is happy to announce the grand opening celebration of the Learning Commons at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.

The renovation project began in the summer of 2018 and has finally reached completion. The project was not only an opportunity to complete deferred maintenance, but also to modernize and reinvent the library to make it a learning hub for students. The remodeling meant new ceilings, flooring, lights, electrical additions, tearing down of walls, additional technology advancements and more to modernize and meet current student needs.

The renovation, initially funded by a combination of state appropriations funding and bond funds to match state dollars joined the Dana Keating Student Success Center, Melba Patton Learning Resource Center, and Online Learning & Educational Technology Departments.

"The college engaged students and staff as well as experts in the field about how to reconceptualize what we need to serve students best in this generation," SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice said. "The learning commons approach is a fusion of library, media support, tutoring, and testing all under one umbrella for a 'one stop' approach to academic support."

The new space also provides students with a modern area to use for reading and relaxing with a faux fireplace and other lounging areas, use of various electronic devices in places like the cyberbar, homework in groups meeting spaces or in solo study pods, larger collaborative workspaces with floor-to-ceiling whiteboards and screen-sharing monitors, games and puzzles that include a Lego station, virtual reality experiences, 3D printing opportunities and more.

The final touches on the Learning Commons included furniture and equipment made possible by a number of sponsors including major sponsors: Banterra, Beck's Pharmacy, Cave-In-Rock Ferry, Clearwave, Ferrell Hospital, Gary Jones, Harrisburg Medical Center, Michael Tison, Richard Clark, the SIC Foundation, SIC Student Government and Tri-State Business Equipment. Major sponsors receive a permanent wall plaque announcing their sponsorship in each individual area.

The free event is open to the public and will include a reception after the ceremony. To learn more about the SIC Learning Commons or to become a sponsor, contact Karla Lewis, Associate Dean of the Learning Commons, at (618) 252-5400, ext. 2326 or email karla.lewis@sic.edu.