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BELMONT UNIVERSITY HAS DEVELOPED A strong reputation over the past decade for its phenomenal growth, as both the physical campus and enrollment continue to grow at hyper speed. This fall, the University also focused efforts on internal development, adding a new dining option and program center to the Bunch Library. New dining option Bruin Grounds, located in the Bunch lobby, features a variety of gourmet coffee drinks, sandwiches and salad options. Based on its location in the library, offerings are named in honor of famous books, allowing customers to try out items like The Catch 22 breakfast item, a Count of Monte Cristo sandwich or a Grapes of Wrath salad, among others. The shop also sells a variety of desserts, juices, chips and fruit cups. The library also recently added tables, opened its internal atriums to allow food and drinks and added a 24-hour study area. The brainchild of the Student Government Association (SGA), the changes were made possible by a collaboration of SGA, Senior Leadership, the Bunch Library and Student Services. Dr. Ernest Heard, director of library services, said, “All of these endeavors are part of a larger plan to transform Bunch Library into a learning commons – all in an effort to enhance the college experience of Belmont’s fantastic students.” Another aspect of the library transformation came as part of Belmont’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), as the
Sophomore Transition Center officially opened its doors this fall on the second floor of the library. Dr. David Sneed, who oversees the Center, said, “[This] is designed to aid sophomores in focusing on questions of who they are and what they want to be, empowering them to surge forward personally and professionally in a much stronger way than they might have without the program. We are developing and implementing programming that will integrate with all aspects of a sophomore’s Belmont experience, including academic courses, student life and residential living.” The “Growth and Purpose for Sophomores” initiative (GPS) also includes a Sophomore Summit held during Welcome Week, a sophomore service project, a lecture series and changes to on-campus living and the core curriculum. Curriculum changes include tailoring COM 1100, Fundamentals of Speech Communication, to address the needs of sophomores, and revising linked cohort courses to include engaged learning experiences. Other student-centered efforts this fall include expanding campus dining points to several popular local restaurants and purchasing new furniture and plants for the Beaman Student Life Center. In addition, Belmont Heights Baptist Church is currently being renovated to create a beautiful, new venue suitable for large-scale acoustic performances. n
FALL 2011
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