Creating a Space of Our Own

Last year we finally secured a physics study room! Our initial proposal was to turn an old computer lab into a classroom and then convert our smallest classroom into a study room. We were denied this request, which was a blow given that engineering, chemistry, and biology students each have study rooms. We were told to share with the chemistry students, since we recently became the Department of Chemistry and Physics, but that wasn’t going to work for us since the majority of physics classes and labs are in an entirely different part of the science building from the chemistry study room.

When the department instead gave our SPS chapter advisor the computer room as research space, he allocated most of the room to us! He and several graduating students donated reference books. Seniors also donated a printer, coffeemaker, microwave, and mini-fridge. We put up posters and rearranged tables to promote group work. It remains a work in progress, but we’re already holding SPS meetings in the room, which sits across from a new display showcasing our SPS awards and traditions and is located close to faculty offices. Hopefully this dedicated space will increase our interactions and camaraderie, and be a great place to do homework for years to come!