ASEAN Auditorium set for summer renovation

Tufts will renovate the Cabot Center auditorium this summer as part of an ongoing program of improving classrooms.

In the ASEAN Auditorium on the building's second floor, the sound system, ceiling projectors and built-in media equipment will be updated to the same standards as other recently-renovated auditoriums on campus. The seating, heating and air conditioning of the 350-seat room will be updated to the same standards as the recently-renovated Pearson 104.

The Arts and Sciences Classroom Committee, comprised of members from several administrative departments, was formed three years ago to deal with classroom renovation. The committee has $1 million to spend on classroom improvement every year. The majority of this money pays for new technological equipment in large lecture halls.

Paul Stanton, a steering member of the committee, claims that Tufts is very aware of the necessity of overall classroom comfort for a positive learning environment. "We work from a worst-to-first perspective," he said. "We try to target places that drastically need improvement, and then turn them into our showcase classrooms."

Tufts has chosen to renovate building by building, instead of renovating the entire campus at once. In recent years, the University has renovated Barnum Auditorium, Braker 001, Pearson 104 and 106, Eaton 206, and Jackson 5 and 6. Over winter break, the Crane Room and the Terrace Room in Paige Hall were renovated.

Stanton explained that seating, lighting, built-in media technology, heating, air conditioning, and acoustics are considered when renovating. He said Tufts tries to provide the highest level of technology in the classroom while preserving each building's historical value.

But simple adjustments to classrooms, not sophisticated technology, can make the biggest difference to learning. According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, temperature, lighting, acoustics, and furniture can drastically impact academic performance.

"At many colleges classrooms are an afterthought, if they're given any thought at all," the Chronicle said.

As classroom renovation continues, the administrators have strategically determined which classrooms get updated first.

"We try to optimize each investment," Stanton said. "Therefore, even though some rooms in Robinson, for example, may be looking shabby, we will dovetail classroom renovation to exterior work." He said the University plans to renovate the classrooms in Robinson, but the refurbishment would coincide with repairs of the building's roof and windows.

Students and administrators often refer to Pearson 104 -- the most expensive classroom project so far -- as an example of a successful renovation.

Sophomore Dave Starr commented that the improvements "made a world of a difference" in his general comfort.

The goal of the changes is consistent with the University's goal to help bring Tufts into the 21st century and to make learning a better experience, Stanton said.

Some students, however, disagree with the way Tufts is spending its money.

"Even though some rooms, especially in Robinson Hall, are very uncomfortable, if the professor and the coursework are stimulating, it shouldn't matter," said freshman Aarthi Ram.