Dugan Hub offers collaborative spaces for students, professors
Student Success Center offers support from start to finish
Newman University’s newest campus renovation transformed an old space in Dugan into a bright, collaborative home to countless student resources. The Student Success Center is designed to empower Newman students with improved access to academic, mental health and career services.
With 72% of Newman’s student body living off campus, the Student Success Center provides an ideal place for commuter students to study, socialize or grab a bite to eat between classes. The center also gives students an even more efficient way to take advantage of makeup exams, academic accommodations, international student services, workshops, career coaches and counseling or tutoring services, which are offered in-person by appointment or virtually 24/7.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout shared that for the Newman community to “empower graduates to transform society” as stated in the university mission, the students must first be transformed.
“Having a location for that transformative work — a hub and energy to permeate through the rest of campus — symbolizes what we do every day,” he said.
The $1.5 million project to renovate the Student Success Center was made possible with the help of $150,000 from a Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education, gifts from individual alumni, friends of Newman University and a $350,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation.
New Center for Teaching and Learning offers strong foundation for faculty
To enhance students’ learning experiences, the Title III grant also addresses the need for faculty support in bringing this reality to fruition. The grant funded a director of teaching and learning role as well as a hub for faculty support: the recently established Center for Teaching and Learning located on the first floor of the Dugan Library.
As the new director of teaching and learning, former English professor Marguerite Regan, Ph.D., is passionate about establishing a sustainable, supportive infrastructure for faculty to be given the resources they need to live out their calling to the fullest.
“Teaching and learning is the soul of our university,” Regan said. “We’re really working on supporting ALL learners, growing and reaching all of our students, regardless of backgrounds, abilities and learning styles.”
Lori Steiner, Ph.D., dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of mathematics, describes Regan as “highly skilled, passionate and current in pedagogical best practices.”
“Marguerite is passionate about developing collaborative processes that will be essential in understanding faculty needs for helping students learn, grow and be successful toward their goals,” Steiner said. The Center for Teaching and Learning held its grand opening ceremony Aug. 23, 2024.