By Lindsey Ball
The School of Communications and Creative Arts will relocate to Green Hall in August before the Fall 2016 semester to gain a larger and more centralized department structured to promote the intermingling of departments.
Currently, Construction Management Associates, Inc. is in phase one of this project. Currently, SCCA is location in DeMoss Hall and is sporadically placed on multiple floors and areas. The goal of this move is not only to improve our resources, but also to unite our school.
“We [will] have the beauty of synergy between all of our students, which we have never had before in one geographic location,” Dean of SCCA Norman Mintle says to Liberty Champion.
Most students, graduate assistants, and professors view this move as favorable. Andy Mallory, the graduate assistant for the Liberty University Forensics Team, is very excited for the new facilities. He expressed how beneficial it will be to have his classes and work obligations within the same building.
“The expansion is necessary. With the Department of Digital Media and Communication Arts moving, almost all of SCCA will be at Green Hall. It provides great opportunities for the different departments in our school to collaborate on various projects,” Mallory says.
In addition to the staff, students have a generally optimistic view of this transition, with one overarching drawback: the location of the relocation. Moving these classrooms and studios to Green Hall will require most residential students to take a bus to class. While these facilities will most definitely be worth it, the distance is a hassle.
“I think the move will help our department and give more opportunities to prove to the university how awesome our school is! Next semester, I will have to catch the bus instead of walking to class, but I’m totally fine with that,” Sydney Jones says.
Jones is a freshman journalism major who is passionately advocating for the new facility. She expressed a desire to expand our already strong, experience-oriented department with this transition and centralization. Her sentiments are common among students the transition affects.
Mintle told Liberty Champion about his idealistic vision for the school. These are just some of the ideas that will be incorporated in the renovation:
- Glass double doors
- 90.9 The Light station near the entryway
- The Liberty Champion
- Open space to display student artwork
- Floor-to-ceiling glass windows
- Choreography, ceramics and digital art studios
Later in the renovation, the Liberty Flames Sports Network will be moved from the River Ridge location to Green Hall. SCCA is gaining momentum and cohesiveness that will positively affect both the expertise and networking between students as well as the reputation of the school and Liberty University.
The above student was written by a student journalist at Liberty University for a class project.
Journalism 220: Unabridged 