By Za’lexia Bogan | Guest Writer
In May 2024, the University of Lynchburg announced that the operations team would redesign several community space allocations across campus to better meet students’ needs.
Alexis Scott, assistant director of Student Diversity Initiatives (SDI), said that the sudden room change for SDI was challenging at first because her accessibility to students was limited in comparison to their previous location inside the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), located on the second floor of Drysdale.
SDI moved to the second floor of Schewel Hall, which is now more accessible to the broader student body. Scott said that the prior space was convenient, with heavy foot traffic, but some students felt that the old area was more formal, while the new location in Schewel is more relaxed.
“I think it’s nice to have student spaces outside of the student center,” Scott said.
Before the room alteration, affinity groups used this space more frequently than the general student body. The room would be used for meetings, activities, or discussions about each affinity group’s mission statement. The room’s redesign and accessibility now encourage regular use by students across campus.
Josiah Randles, the president of the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), said, “The office relocation made a positive impact on the broader student body.”
Since the redesign, more students have begun utilizing the space to unwind or socialize with their friends.
“I feel like the space now feels more like a hangout space,” Randles said.
The student activities section, formerly on the first floor of Drysdale, was moved to Hundley. The former space is now being remodeled mainly for recreational purposes, such as extra study spaces and a veterans service lounge.
Michael Vaughan, assistant vice-president of Operations, said, “Having two of those spaces on this side of campus will be very beneficial for our commuter and veteran population once the lounge area is fixed.”
If you have more questions about relocating campus areas, contact Michael Vaughan at vaughan_m1@lynchburg.edu.
