Carman Hall’s Renovated Lecture Halls

(CA B34 before and after renovations. Photos credit: Alixia Viniel.)

By Alixia Viniel 

Three basement Lecture Halls located in Carman Hall are being renovated, with room B34 already completed and in use as of the 2023 Fall semester. These renovations resulted from a much-needed up- grade for both students and faculty in terms of technology and comfort. They were part of the many improvements Lehman College wanted to bring for its students and staff. 

Thanks to the donations, Lehman’s faculty and staff were able to initiate improvements aimed at enhancing the academic experience and 

improving the learning environment at Lehman. 

The renovations focused on the for- mer Lecture Hall, addressing the various complaints from students. One of the main issues was the limited accessibility and uncomfortable seating arrangements. Students expressed dissatisfaction given that the last time the hall had seen any form of renovations was during its creation in the late 70s. They reported discomfort and that the Lecture Halls provided limited access to students with disabilities. The renovations have created opportunities for more inclusion and easy use of classroom equipment. 

In an interview with Robin Auchincloss, Director of Campus Planning & Facilities, it was revealed that former Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, “provided half of the $600K budget” used for the renovations in Carman Hall. Auchinclos further acknowledged that many of the students who took classes in the lecture halls “would remember that the chairs were in really bad condition.” 

Migdio Dominguez, Director of Classroom Technology Support Services, took part in selecting and installing the technology in the new classrooms. The room now features modern-looking wooden chairs and silver metal-like tables. The chairs contain charging outlets for com- puters, phones, tablets, and more. Additionally, a desk is attached to the backrest which will be helpful 

to students who rely on technology for note-taking. The classrooms also allow for Hyflex interactions for in-person and online meetings. The added railings provide students with safety precautions if needed. 

Moreover, the repairs have made the classrooms more accessible to students with disabilities. The removal of the production box, located in the back of every large lecture hall, has increased the space available in the top half of the lecture hall. This benefits students who are in wheelchairs part-time or full-time. The improvements also included speedy technician support, meaning less time is taken away from learning, because of technical difficulties. Remember when professors had to call for Information Technology Personnel (IT) because of issues with monitors, sound systems, or computers? The renova- tions now include a monitor linked to every classroom with a working computer and display system, which alerts IT of any issues simply by looking up the classroom number in their system. 

The new renovation has a main control system, where IT personnel can identify and automatically fix the errors using monitors from their office and by sending personnel to fix said issue at a moment's notice. Students are offered the best equipment for academic advancement with these new designs and repair.