The Shanahan Building: The Perfect Academic Environment

The Shanahan Center for Teaching and Learning (often referred to as Shan) is the center of academia at Mudd. Throughout the building, classrooms of different layouts provide students with the perfect learning environment, and teachers with their preferred set-up for teaching. 

Every classroom is equipped with chairs, tables, a teaching desk and chair, projectors and screens, as well as a chalkboard or whiteboard. All classrooms besides those in the basement have big windows which allow light in. Some classrooms even have special AV equipment so that professors can either record their lectures, or livestream them on zoom. All of this equipment is laid out so that classes can run smoothly. 

For me personally, a big difference between classes in college and classes in high school is the classroom setup. In high school, most teachers teach in their own classroom whereas in college, classrooms are shared between many different professors and classes. The fact that the classrooms in Shan all have similar setups makes life easier for both students and faculty because everyone knows roughly how each room will be set up. 

For professors who prefer having a different classroom layout (ie. U-shaped desks instead of rows), all of the tables are conveniently on wheels that allow the tables to be easily moved. This allows for students and professors to create a collaborative learning environment with group discussions. 

The design of Shan promotes a collaborative learning environment outside of classes. First-floor Shan houses the Café, where students can buy drinks and snacks. The Café has indoor as well as outdoor seating which are popular spots for doing work and meeting with other students. I often see professors meeting there as well.

If you are looking for a quieter, more zen place to study, you may prefer the Sky Cube located on the third floor. I enjoy the vibes outside of the Sky Cube. With lots of plants and even a pergola, it feels very secluded. 

Overall Shan makes for a great academic environment because of its user friendliness and balance between being functional and being inviting.

Link to a video tour of Shan:

Campus tour video: Shanahan Center and Math