The new ‘Undergraduate Student Work Room’ for the psychology department is located in Hauser Hall. Previously a classroom, the renovated space serves as a study spot for psychology majors. Photo Courtesy of The Hofstra Chronicle.
Until this semester, Room 029 of Hauser Hall was simply a conference room used for psychology department meetings. But after a brief transformation, it has been officially converted into a dedicated study and hangout space as an “Undergraduate Student Workroom” for psychology majors.
The room has several tables and chairs, enough for multiple study groups. Each wall contains pieces of colorful artwork from the psychology department’s own Dr. Sarah Novak, who “likes to paint biologically-themed images, such as neurons or brains,” according to psychology Professor Amy Masnick.
Masnick was excited about the new opportunity for psychology students. “We wanted to have a space for students to hang out in the psychology building between classes or meetings. When we asked some students informally about their interest in the idea, they were enthusiastic,” Masnick said. “For now, we’re happy with the space.”
Sophomore psychology major Luchi Bucci said, “I think it’s something that’s necessary and could improve grades and communication [and] creativity between the psych students. I like the idea of that space.”
Masnick agrees that fostering camaraderie in the department was among the intentions in creating the undergraduate space. “We … hope it will facilitate community among our majors, helping them get to know one another and to have a place for study groups.”
Psychology majors are also finding it helpful that a dedicated workspace is conveniently located in the same building as their departmental professors. Liz Kammer, a freshman psychology major, said, “I think it’s a very good idea, as students who run into issues while working on homework or have questions about their own personal research have a much easier ability to reach their professors and mentors in order to receive aid.”
Psychology Professor Dr. Brian Cox likes that this is “a place where psych majors can actually congregate and bond with each other and become psychologists, if you will, [identifying] themselves as lovers of all things psychological.” Occasionally, the room will have to be used for department meetings, but it will for the most part remain a student space.
Carissa Hensyl, a senior psychology major, is happy to now have a definitive common area for psychology students. “I think it’s nice that we finally have a lounge. I think it’s really good and a nice study place that I’ll use.”
