UC Riverside’s School of Education has created a new central gathering space for students with a renovated courtyard at Sproul Hall.

The area, located in the middle of Sproul Hall, was refurbished over the summer to create a more inviting space for students to meet, study, and socialize, said James Rowland, director of marketing and communications for the school.

The area had chairs and tables before but was poorly lit and had no landscaping. 

Facilities Services removed an old tree, replaced the concrete surface, and added landscaping. A mature magnolia tree was planted, serving as the courtyard’s centerpiece. Vintage light bulbs were strung above the courtyard to create a brighter atmosphere.

Yellow and blue metal patio seats and tables were added while a flat-screen video board was installed on the wall. The school uses the video board to post messages about events, programs, classes, and other announcements of interest to students.

“The new courtyard allows us to activate Sproul Hall so that students feel welcome, engaged, and connected to the SOE community,” Rowland said.

The school has already used the renovated space for special events including Homecoming and an open house at the start of the fall quarter and has plans for more including pop-up cafes with free snacks and drinks for students. Student ambassadors have discussed hosting movie nights with free popcorn and soda.

The video board has also been used to welcome special guests or events. The school has discussed using it to create activities for middle school students who visit the campus in the next STEAM Summer Academy.

Holly Kong, a third-year student majoring in education and liberal studies, is a member of the school’s student ambassador program, which has already hosted two events at the courtyard.

She said the improved courtyard is a more welcoming space and is being used by students to study, eat lunch, and socialize with friends.

“We really like the space,” she said. “At nighttime with the lights, it creates an inviting space where students can go there and study.”