Student Input Crucial to Improve Functionality of Reeves Learning Commons Updates

By Summer Griffin

Seton Hill University students can expect changes to the Reeves Learning Commons in the near future, as administrators and student leaders collaborate on a series of furniture and layout updates aimed at improving functionality.

According to Student Government Association (SGA) President Dustin McMullen, SGA initially planned to use their allocated campus improvement funds to replace the aging wooden tables in Reeves with whiteboard-style tables. However, those plans shifted when university leadership revealed a broader initiative already underway.

“We had already gotten a quote and were working on replacing them [the tables],” McMullen said. “Then Rosalie Carpenter [vice president of student affairs] reached out to let us know that Melissa Alsing is working on a project to update the furniture. We can now put our money elsewhere and have since been working with her.”

Melissa Alsing, Seton Hill’s chief information officer, explained that the project grew organically out of ongoing conversations with an external vendor. Originally focused on updating the tables, the discussions expanded into a larger refresh of the space.

“Reeves was renovated back in 2014, and there’s a regular cadence where you need to refresh spaces based on how they’re used,” Alsing said. “This kind of just fits in.”

These updates will focus on functionality of the space rather than a complete redesign. Budget considerations and timing will ultimately determine what changes are implemented and when. 

A key feature of this project has been the student involvement. “We’ve had two meetings so far where SGA has been present, and we are extremely grateful to be a part of this process, as you really don’t see that at bigger universities,” McMullen said.

There have been several parts of this process where SGA’s feedback has proven beneficial to the overall project. McMullen explained that the first rendering “took away a lot of table space for couches,” and suggested during meetings that “Reeves is our main place to go when studying—it needs to be able to seat a lot of people.”

Following that piece of student feedback, McMullen explained that some new designs placed greater emphasis on maintaining and improving that table space. Replacing the current wooden tables remains the top priority, though no firm timeline has been set.

In addition to new tables, several other updates are under consideration. Portable whiteboards rank high on the priority list, and high-top tables along the windows are also being discussed as a better way to maximize workspace options. 

Alsing confirmed that whiteboards have become a central focus, in part due to student feedback. “We thought students might like them, but Dustin really emphasized how high of a priority they are,” Alsing said.

While many details are still being finalized, there is optimism that at least some updates will be completed in time for the fall semester. “I’m very hopeful that by the time students come back in the fall, we’ll have some of these things in place,” Alsing said.

While the process is ongoing, it is clear that student input remains central to shaping the future of our most used study space.