The 30,000 square foot plaza gives the college the ability to offer a space conducive to learning via virtual or in-person that will permit social distancing and allow faculty and students not to have exposure to internal HVAC systems when such times as a pandemic occurs, regardless of the class size. The proposed project is conveniently clustered between the three main academic buildings on campus (the library, Curry, and Whiteside halls). The plaza will significantly increase the institution capacity to deliver instruction and improve learning by not canceling face-to-face daytime classes. The amphitheater will provide the outdoor space we need to accommodate lecture classes with up to 80 students and reduce the need to split them during a pandemic or other public health crisis. The new plaza encourages social activities in a stress-free learning environment for students and faculty which includes new sloped water fountain, five outdoor classrooms, seating areas with tables, umbrellas and seat walls, school logo area and amphitheater. The outdoor classrooms offer students and faculty a barrier free environment outside of the traditional wall classroom.
