Wittenberg University has launched a new one-stop center for student success called Compass on the main floor of Thomas Library.
The days of searching for help in different campus buildings is over, as the university’s library is now home to various offices and services, putting an emphasis on collaboration among students and staff. The areas of help that can be found include Academic Services, Academic Coaching, Career Services, Disability services, the Oral Communication Center, Student Employment, Student Success, Success Ambassadors and tutoring.
“Wittenberg needs a space on campus that has student services centralized in one area instead of being spread across campus,” Zach Lough, senior and president of Student Senate, said. “Now, Compass has much needed services in one space that is easy to access for students.”
Compass was made possible through a generous donation and the help of Student Senate to assure the space was the best it could be for both present and future students.
Wittenberg’s Student Senate worked with students and a variety of student groups across campus to find out what students would want and need in such a center by holding open forums and focus groups last fall. Senate also provided the project up to $350,000 in funding. Those funds have gone toward the current renovation to the library’s main floor, which will hold multiple study pods, more seating for students and even a coffee bar. Once finished, Compass will have cost between $400,000 and $500,000. The library’s funds have also put forth $78,000 thus far into the project.
“I am most excited about what can become of this project in the long run,” Lough said. “Schools who already have centers for student success have grown much larger than when they started. Having the Compass on campus provides us with many opportunities for growth in student services.”
Springfield-based companies leading the renovation in Thomas Library are McCall Architects and Kapp Construction, putting creative thought into a 5,000 square foot, open air learning environment.
The update to the library will provide a welcoming space for students on campus, and current Tigers are enthusiastic about the modern atmosphere to come.
“I’m really looking forward to the coffee bar,” Nora Jacobson, sophomore student worker at the library, said. “I feel like it will be a cool addition to Thomas Library that everyone will utilize very often.”
Updates to the main floor are estimated to be completely finished in October. In the meantime, any questions regarding the new Compass center can be directed to Jon Duraj, associate dean of Student Success & Retention.
