Open for Learning

Spring semester classes in humanities and social studies are taking place in the newly constructed portion of the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC). Faculty and students say they are excited about the new center and all that it makes possible. 

Monessa Cummins, associate professor and chair of classics, teaches Roman Archaeology and Art in the HSSC’s case study classroom (Room N3110). “It is magnificent,” she says. “Students sit in tiered semicircular rows facing two large screens on which different high-resolution images can be projected at the same time. I can lecture in the well of the room or move seamlessly to a discussion in which all the students can see and respond to everyone else. After just one class, I can say this classroom is a pedagogical dream come true.”

Thomas Aldrich ’19, a history and religious studies major from Minneapolis, also expressed excitement about the facility. “The sun-filled atrium reminds you of the history of Grinnell and ARH [Alumni Recitation Hall], seamlessly bringing together new and old.”

Kaylin Kuhn ’21, who’s from Bettendorf, Iowa, and plans to major in mathematics, toured the HSSC with a friend on the first day of classes. “The classrooms look like a perfect learning environment with plenty of natural light,” Kuhn says. “I am very excited to have class here and to spend lots of time exploring and finding new study nooks.”

Jim Swartz, Dack Professor of Chemistry and co-chair of the College’s Building Advisory Committee, also strolled through the center on the first day of classes. “After six years of planning, design, and construction,” Swartz says, “it is thrilling to see our dreams materialized with spectacular new classrooms, students interacting with one another and with faculty members in common spaces, and faculty members interacting across disciplines as they are in neighborhoods mixed together and not siloed into departments.” 

The estimated completion date for the entire HSSC, including renovation and expansion of ARH and Carnegie Hall, is summer 2020.