WSU Career Services aims to provide practical experience to students to help prepare them for life outside of college, and it is using the creation of the new multimedia conference room as an opportunity to do just that.
Faculty, staff and students are collaborating on the multimedia conference room, planned to be located in the Career Services main lobby in Lighty 180.
“Employers look for work experience related to the field and that is what we are trying to give students,” said Virginia Tavera-Delgado, assistant director of Career Services.
Students from two interior design classes, including students from the Spokane campus, met with Career Services staff to discuss requirements and goals of the room. The students then created designs for the room based on those specifications.
“I think it’s great because this is a real problem and it helps the students become engaged at a different level,” said Tina Johansen, assistant professor of interior design.
“Students tend to engage more when there is a tangible aspect,” said Nancy Clark Brown, chair of the Department of Interior Design. “This provides them with a more hands-on approach.”
The students presented their ideas to Career Services and Facilities Operations staff on Oct. 24. FacOps, which coordinates renovation for all WSU buildings, is deciding what parts can be incorporated from the student designs, Tavera-Delgado said.
Career Services also is collaborating with the Fine Arts Department. The multimedia conference room will feature a gallery wall that will display student artwork throughout the semester, said Tavera-Delgado.
When completed, the multimedia conference room will be used for workshops, lectures, information sessions and other activities that provide students with opportunities for professional development, Tavera-Delgado said. The room also will be available to other campus departments.
