With a record enrollment of more than 6,200 students this year and additional programs gearing up each semester, everyone knows that the Volgenau School of Engineering needs more space.
To alleviate some of the overcrowding at the Fairfax Campus, and create laboratories for the school, the new Department of Mechanical Engineering is working with the Science and Technology Campus in Prince William County. Talks are underway for laboratories in Bull Run Hall to be converted into labs for mechanical engineering students to work on their senior design and other projects.
"Now part of the effort falls upon the shoulders of us here at the school to promote the move to the student body and faculty," said Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering Oscar Barton. "While the faculty are routinely informed of initiatives in school, students sometimes get their information in a second hand fashion - a ‘Did you hear?' kind of thing."
To minimize this and to engage as many as possible in the development process, Barton and Assistant Professor Colin Reagle, took students on tours of the existing space in October.
The students rode the Mason Shuttle to the campus, spent roughly an hour touring the labs, offices, and common spaces while brainstorming about a wish list of items. They ended the day with a late lunch.
Student ideas included a study lounge, strategically placed white boards, monitors with good sight lines, and windows facing the hallways so visitors could see engineering projects take shape.
"I wanted to tour the as-is space with students from mechanical engineering, to solicit ideas and to get input of about the form and function of the labs and support spaces. Then we will share the ideas with the design team," said Barton. "This inclusiveness in determining the end product will help the transition."