There are a multitude of remarkable things about the Learning Commons in Grainger Hall at the Wisconsin School of Business. One of the most impressive aspects is that this revolutionary endeavor was wholly funded by generous donors of the university. The 35,000-square-foot Learning Commons is a bright, contemporary space with a human-centered design to inspire, as well as to provide inventive learning and study areas.
Donor support has helped create a myriad of improvements, including a finance and analytics lab that uses cutting-edge business technology, collaborative work areas where students can interact in small and large groups, five active learning classes for a more creative learning environment, and 10 breakout rooms, along with areas for individual quiet study.
“The Learning Commons project builds on our investment in active learning spaces that incorporate technology and design that foster collaborative environments and support innovative teaching methods,” shares Suzanne Dove, former assistant dean for academic innovations at the school. “With these flexible and customizable spaces, students and faculty will be able to connect, engage, and exchange ideas more than ever before.”
Donor contributions are changing the face and future of the university, moving it ever forward and positively impacting people and areas across the entire UW campus.
“The Learning Commons has reimagined what a business educational environment can be like,” shares Julia Chelak x’22. “The flexible classrooms and finance and analytics lab inspire collaboration and learning, and the various study spaces and natural light make this a destination of choice for students across campus. I am grateful for the opportunity to have such a modern and supportive setting to accommodate my business studies.”