With students from Colorado University-Boulder returning to campus this fall, featuring the newer addition to the campus, the Center for Academic Success and Engagement, seemed fitting. The 114,000-square-foot building opened in the summer of 2018, where specific departments, such as University Admissions, Veteran and Military Affairs, as well as departments like the accommodated testing center for students requiring extra time on exams. The goal of the building is to “serve as the gateway” to campus by housing all of the critical student support departments, as well as assist in showcasing the university with the admissions and campus tour department.
The building houses a variety of other functions, including the CASE Auditorium which can hold up to 300 individuals, as well as the beautiful outdoor pavilion and the large ground floor atrium. The “gateway to campus” begins with the building’s entrance, where the grand staircase wraps around the atrium of the building, accented by the KLIK USA LEDpodTM. The large open atrium is filled with seating and a front desk to direct you to the proper department, as well as areas where students and faculty can sit and work while waiting for a class or appointment.
The CASE building serves for more than student success departments, as one can find extra classrooms to house overflow of classes across campus, particularly amidst the University’s continued renovations across campus, as well as specific departments such as music. Coming down the staircase, the entrance leads out onto beautifully organized landscape and outdoor pavilion and leads to the rest of the campus.
With the Fall semester looking a little different due to COVID, CU-Boulder has adjusted their campus and community experience in-person in order to keep everyone safe, while giving the same high-level education experience to all of the students. Some of the ways the University is preparing are by keeping the campus informed through a public health awareness campaign, active trainings for students and faculty, as well as enabling all buildings and classrooms to limit density while increasing social distancing. The school has stated that it is willing to adjust as necessary throughout the semester depending on the impact of COVID.
Photographer: James Florio; Architect: OZ Architecture Boulder CO; Engineer: Cator, Ruma & Associates; Contractor: Encore Electric Lakewood CO
