The four-story center, adjacent to Simpson Library and straddling Campus Walk, opened to students in August. The 77,000 square-foot structure features open, flexible classrooms and collaboration spaces, communal furniture and multiple student work centers.
“Yes, it is a technology-enabled building that supports our digital spaces, but it does so to further enhance personal connections,” said Jeffrey W. McClurken, special assistant to the provost for technology, teaching, and innovation. “These form the center of knowledge creation and are at the core of the deeply collaborative experience of learning.”
“It is also a manifestation of UMW’s leadership in the field of digitally enabled creativity,” added McClurken, who oversees the Convergence Center.
The center features a digital auditorium, a digital gallery, a data center, audio/video production spaces and the new Digital Knowledge Center. Also, the university’s Speaking and Writing centers, the Division of Information and Technologies, and the Division of Teaching and Learning Technologies have relocated to the building.
Calling the building a “game changer,” Board of Visitors Rector Holly T. Cuellar said she’s delighted to see the Convergence Center full of students and buzzing with activity.
“Not only will this space enhance the experience of UMW students, it will grab the attention of prospective students in unprecedented ways,” Cuellar said. “With access to technological innovations like the ones offered in this building, our students will be well-prepared for any type of career and will become skilled, adaptable producers and consumers of digital resources.”
The $40 million building is designed for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification requirements, meaning the building meets stringent requirements for green design, construction and operations.
