Kendall Campus Speech And Debate Lab Undergoing Renovation

The Speech and Debate Lab at Kendall Campus, located in Room 2207, is undergoing renovations for the first time since it opened 15 years ago.

Work at the facility, which has remained open, started this summer and is expected to be completed by January. According to Cristina Mateo, the senior director of campus administration at Kendall Campus, the project is part of a $500,000 makeover taking place at the Learning Commons. 

Upgrades will include new Mac and Windows computers, a sound mixing board and virtual reality technology such as headsets to create simulated audiences for speech practices.

The space will be outfitted with a new carpet, blue and gray colored walls and neutral-tone couches to encourage students to focus on social media projects such as podcasts and creating video content for TikTok and YouTube. 

“I’m looking forward to coming into work every day to a fantasy land,” said Paul Klein, who manages the speech lab.

The lab’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can reach them at (305) 237-2253.