This fall, in response to student feedback, the Ford School created more study spaces in Weill Hall. This initiative was led by the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) along with Facilities Manager Bill Kelly.
The conversation began at SAC’s Fall 2023 Town Hall, where a group of students voiced a need for more study areas, specifically new ways to support remote work and classes in the building. “Students had lots of ideas about what spaces could be reconfigured for study space, including underutilized faculty offices and the staircase window ledges,” said SAC representative Emily Kuttner (MPP ‘24).
To better understand these needs SAC conducted a survey that resulted in a top-ten “wish list” of improvements. “We heard from students about the space crunch for studying and conducting interviews,” said Kelly. “I walked through the building with SAC and Ford leadership to discuss their requests and identify changes that could be feasibly made.”
Once plans were in place Kelly coordinated with the university’s interior design service and managed logistics to ensure the project progressed over the summer. The updated spaces, including additional seating in the Becky Blank Great Hall and new Zoom pods (compact, enclosed spaces designed to provide privacy and quiet for video calls, online meetings, or focused work) on the fourth floor, enhance accessibility and honor the school’s history. “The ADA-compliant rug in the Great Hall was made by Grand Rapids’ Scott Group, which also made the Oval Office rug,” said Kelly. “By having the rug made there, it was a tip of the hat to President Ford.” Additionally, a portrait of the late Ford School Dean Rebecca Blank now hangs in the space, captured on the day the school was named after President Ford.
The new spaces aim to make Weill Hall a comfortable, accessible place for students to connect and work. "I sincerely hope students know that we care about them and take advantage of the spaces as they come to life,” said Kelly. “I hope SAC will continue to funnel concerns and improvements so we keep growing as a school.”
“We want students to feel like the Ford School is a place they can study in, and that they don't need to leave the building to find a place to get work done,” added Kuttner. “Keeping Fordies in Weill Hall allows students to informally bump into each other and catch up, which is a big part of building the wonderful community that makes the Ford School special.”
Written by Katrina Hamann
