2008 Woodie Awards
Project Oasis brings calm, color to campus
Amanda Wowk
Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Features
Media Credit: Ryan CalacsanStudents find a comfortable place to study between classes in the BSB Oasis filled with art and lively plants.
To many people, UIC has the dubious distinction of being an unattractive campus. Its large grey buildings are considered drab, with utilitarian interiors. As the campus population grows, it becomes harder for students to find a calm place to relax between classes.
However, the Office of Campus Learning Environments has been working to change this situation as part of their "Project Oasis" program. Project Oasis "creates oases for informal learning spaces on campus, and provides UIC students with a place to sit and relax," said Wendy Wagoner, the assistant director for the Office of Campus Learning Environments.
Wagoner explained that the first oasis was created in the Behavior Science Building. The project has expanded phenomenally, bringing bright and soothing spaces to various corners of the campus. Still, there is much that remains to be done, and many new projects will begin in the summer and fall.
"For fall, we are working on the Lecture Center C rotunda and the renovation of Lincoln Hall," said Wagoner. When Project Oasis is brought to Lecture Center C, a local Chicago artist, David Jansheski, will be there to paint a mural on the ceiling. The renovation of Lincoln Hall, which will be closed for a year, will transform the first-floor lounge area into a relaxing space, and the classrooms will be rebuilt as well. Students across campus are excited about the new "oases" that are coming to campus.
"I was really impressed by the colors [in the oasis in Burnham Hall]," commented mathematics graduate student Jonathan Schneider.
First year English major Tequita Valley added, "I think it's great that Project Oasis is making the campus a more beautiful place."
Indeed, student opinions on the oases is held in high regard by the program's directors. Assessments of the current oases will be held starting this week. Anonymous surveys will be sent out to see if the oases are filling student needs.
"We're really excited," Wagoner said. "We're doing it for the students, and we often seek input from them. The point of Project Oasis is that learning doesn't stop at the classroom."
With the advent of new areas to relax and study outside of the classroom environment, Project Oasis is on course to achieve that goal.
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However, the Office of Campus Learning Environments has been working to change this situation as part of their "Project Oasis" program. Project Oasis "creates oases for informal learning spaces on campus, and provides UIC students with a place to sit and relax," said Wendy Wagoner, the assistant director for the Office of Campus Learning Environments.
Wagoner explained that the first oasis was created in the Behavior Science Building. The project has expanded phenomenally, bringing bright and soothing spaces to various corners of the campus. Still, there is much that remains to be done, and many new projects will begin in the summer and fall.
"For fall, we are working on the Lecture Center C rotunda and the renovation of Lincoln Hall," said Wagoner. When Project Oasis is brought to Lecture Center C, a local Chicago artist, David Jansheski, will be there to paint a mural on the ceiling. The renovation of Lincoln Hall, which will be closed for a year, will transform the first-floor lounge area into a relaxing space, and the classrooms will be rebuilt as well. Students across campus are excited about the new "oases" that are coming to campus.
"I was really impressed by the colors [in the oasis in Burnham Hall]," commented mathematics graduate student Jonathan Schneider.
First year English major Tequita Valley added, "I think it's great that Project Oasis is making the campus a more beautiful place."
Indeed, student opinions on the oases is held in high regard by the program's directors. Assessments of the current oases will be held starting this week. Anonymous surveys will be sent out to see if the oases are filling student needs.
"We're really excited," Wagoner said. "We're doing it for the students, and we often seek input from them. The point of Project Oasis is that learning doesn't stop at the classroom."
With the advent of new areas to relax and study outside of the classroom environment, Project Oasis is on course to achieve that goal.
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