North Campus Reopens Renovated Math Lab
After closing for six months, the North Campus math lab has reopened after undergoing a $85,000 facelift.
The 3,885 sq. ft. facility, which officially reopened on Nov. 28, features bright, contemporary furniture, curved dry-erase whiteboards, colorful walls and a lab with 25 computers.
It aims to continue helping students understand mathematics and ace their exams through one-on-one tutoring and mentorship.
“We are hoping that [students] can find a place that is very inviting and welcoming for them to get the assistance they need with their learning in math,’’ said Irma Cruz-White, the chairperson of the math department at North Campus.
The space previously featured carpet flooring, cream-colored walls and a row of more than two dozen computers that sat in front of a glass panel window.
Because the computers were situated in front of the window, the monitors were visible to anyone who walked into the math lab, White said.
The space also featured a vacant backroom, where the chess club occasionally met, and round tables, which created an awkward seating arrangement for students and tutors.
“I [felt] weird sitting in the middle because it made it seem like I was the authority figure and I didn’t really like that feeling,” said Francesca Delgado, a math tutor and instructor at the math lab. “I wanted it to feel like we were all equal.”
Now, the lab has a splash of color, thanks to two murals that feature a yellow, green, orange, blue, red, and purple geometric triangle pattern. One wall reads, “BE THE SOLUTION,” in bold, capitalized letters, and the other wall reads, “MATH LAB” with the same font.
The space also has gray laminate flooring, blue structural columns, four-seat rectangular tables with red and green chairs and blue two-seat booths.
The booths and the columns are the only areas in the main lounge with charging stations, a feature some students say needs improvement. However, the backspace of the math lab features 25 computers with charging outlets and portable chargers are available.
“Seeing this place renovated really, really works,” said Sean Matias, a math lab tutor. “It feels more personal, you can kind of engage with [the tutees] more.”
Professors can reserve the computer room for activities or testing by speaking to Carl A Louis, the math lab manager, or Angel Hernandez, the director of Learning Resources at North Campus or by emailing Learning Resources at northlibrary@mdc.edu.
“The most significant thing is having a space where students can feel that they’re welcome,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez. “That provides them an opportunity to share whatever challenges or inquiries they may have about math.”
Lab hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays; and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Students can make an appointment through the navigate portal with their myMDC account but walk-ins are accepted.
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