Updating Buildings that Scare Off Students

For years now, libraries have been offering more informal spaces for gathering in attempts to attract students. There have been stories upon stories of students’ desire for cushy chairs, computer access, and food options in what was once a more stiff environment.

This is a trend that is now pervasive in academe. The University of Colorado at Boulder, for example, has built a new business school that offers students those informal gathering spaces. A story in The Denver Post says that business students were turning away from CU-Boulder because of its outdated building. A $38-million renovation added technological features, like wireless classrooms and a media center, along with informal spaces like couches and a cafe.

One would think that people should be attracted to a program because of its curriculum, not its digs. But students interviewed by the Post said that the outdated building gave the impression that the curriculum was also outdated. A study released last year by APPA, an organization for facilities administrators, showed that students rated strong majors, excellent teachers, and the quality of education among the essential characteristics when considering enrolling at a college. Facilities relevant to students’ majors were also ranked highly.

When students were asked which facilities were inadequate at colleges they rejected, students cited residential facilities first, then facilities for their majors, classroom space, open space, libraries, technology facilities, the student union, recreation facilities, and, near the bottom, lab facilities.