The Learning Commons
The mission of the Learning Commons is to integrate in design and function the spaces, informational resources, technological resources, production resources, and support services in such a fashion that patrons experience a seamless environment for contemplating, planning, researching, and bringing to the finished product their academic, intellectual and, at times, personal work.
- Services associated with information and technology are provided in one place
- Organizational structures are not barriers and are invisible to the user
- Physical space must be visible, and readily available
- Flexible, vigorous, and responsive expanse of services are provided by an array of people with a variety of expertise
- Follow-through is a critical element, along with evaluation and assessment
- Adaptability and flexibility, including sharing responsibility, authority, and credit are critical elements of success
Research Assistance
Reference" is used to identify the various services provided by librarians to assist individuals to clarify their information needs, identify sources where appropriate information can be found and acquire information needed. These services include instruction in library catalog, database searching, book location, use of paper and electronic resources and knowledge of microfiche/microfilm information.
Advisement and TransitionAdvisement and Transition provides services and support to students regarding transition to college, academic planning, major choice, and academic decision making. Our role is to help students make the most of their college career by providing assistance with choosing a major, understanding SUNY Cortland policies and procedures, understanding advisement and registration, and connecting to campus resources.
Civic EngagementService-Learning is experiential learning that links meaningful, real-world community service projects to an academic course.
- The hands-on volunteer experience meets a defined community need and enhances student learning.
- Service-Learning courses include reflective assignments in which students demonstrate their understanding of course content.
Coordinator: John Suarez
Writing Resource CenterWriting Fellows are strong graduate and undergraduate writers who are assigned to courses at the request of the professor. They work closely with the professor and assist students with their writing. The Fellows’ main responsibility is to read and critique drafts of formal papers so that students may improve them before handing them in to the professor.
Faculty Development CenterPromote intellectual activity and interaction on campus Pilot new initiatives related to faculty development, mentor new faculty in reappointment/tenure/promotion faculty development may also include grants for teaching initiatives and research, lecture programs, teaching and research award programs, educational programs on new teaching and research technologies, and more.
Instructional Materials DesignerThe Instructional Materials Designer is responsible for working with faculty to identify their instructional objectives and develop WebCT modules accordingly.
The Technology Training CenterProvides training and individual assistance to faculty and staff. Workshops and specialized training sessions are conducted by the technology trainer and instructional materials designer.
The Teaching Materials CenterThe Teaching Materials Center (TMC) is a collection of teaching materials typical of those used in K-12 classrooms, and of elementary and secondary textbooks, teacher's editions, workbooks, etc. This center has 38,000 volumes, including textbooks, curriculum guides, educational media, and a children's literature collection.