Center for Academic Excellence Shines in Forum Phase II Renovation

Students are now getting even more out of the Center for Academic Excellence following its expansion that came with the $4.3-million Phase II Forum renovation. The renovation, which also included upgrades for 2Fix and Common Grounds, was completed in the Fall of 2020.

Buena Vista University’s Forum Phase II, a $4.3-million renovation of the BVU Library, the Center for Academic Excellence, the University’s Information Technology Department (2Fix), Common Grounds coffee shop, and office areas within University Development and Alumni Engagement was completed during the Fall Semester, much to the delight of students, faculty, and staff. 

“Creating a modern space and experience for our students was our No. 1 priority and this has been accomplished,” says Suzette Radke, Vice President for Finance and Administration.

The centerpiece of the effort, which followed the highly successful $15.1-million renovation of the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum in 2019, involved moving and expanding the Center for Academic Excellence, an entity utilized by dozens of BVU students each day. The CAE now has a much larger dedicated space with state-of-the-art technology across the library’s first floor.

“I enjoy being a tutor... Donna Musel (Director of Academic Excellence) sets us all up for success. My students got the most out of their time with me. Their feedback tells me they did well on the tests we prepared for in the CAE.”

Christina Jackson, junior 

“The CAE is such a key entity on campus for our students,” Radke says. “The addition of space and a centralized, accessible location within the library is only going to make it stronger.”

“I really like the new CAE space in the library.”

That statement from Christina Jackson, a BVU junior rehabilitation health sciences major from Johnston, is echoed by students across campus, dozens of whom use the state-of-the-art Center for Academic Excellence each day.

Jackson, a member of the women’s track and field team, uses bright and spacious CAE rooms and open areas while studying for her classes, or while tutoring peers in chemistry and psychology, one of 35 student tutors who provide the academic service free for students.

“I enjoy being a tutor,” Jackson says from the renovated first floor of the BVU Library. “I didn’t know if I would get students in need of assistance. I also didn’t know how helpful I might be. But Donna (Salton) Musel ’88 M.A. ’01 (Director of Academic Excellence) sets us all up for success. My students got the most out of their time with me. Their feedback tells me they did well on the tests we prepared for in the CAE.”

The new CAE, 2Fix, a renovated Library, a new Mack, Mack, and Mack Board Room, and more are components of a $4.3-million Forum Phase II project that began in the spring of 2020 and was completed during the Fall Semester.

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