When staring down at a PSY 205 textbook, it’s hard to imagine that James Taylor once performed in the space where a semi-conscious student’s drool now obscures explanations of Pavlov’s theory. PlayStation consoles have been swapped for PC workstations. Poetry readings make way for required readings. And freshly brewed pots of coffee have been swapped for…vending machines filled with tuna fish cans and whole-wheat sandwiches. In the place of the Jabberwocky café – a lounge originally designed for students to relax amongst a backdrop of live music, games and student events – stands a new campus study space. Granted, studying never looked so good in the freshly furnished lounge, but the absence of the Jabberwocky in its café setting marks the end of what was meant to be a campus coffee shop. ‘People from Campus Planning, Design, and Construction, Office of Residence Life and Information Technology Services…met and developed the objectives of upgrading these spaces to make them more effective study spaces,’ said Eric Beattie, director of campus planning, design and construction. Schine Student Center has even put up a sign labeling the Ludwig Lounge next to Jabberwocky as simply another computer cluster. ‘I didn’t know this room even existed,’ said Joe Farina, a junior accounting major, ‘I just saw the sign.’ Jabberwocky’s new function as an academic workspace is a far cry from its previous incarnations throughout the past 40 years. It originally lived under Kimmel Hall, providing a venue where students could mingle and hear local musicians perform. After an extended hiatus, Jabberwocky made its second debut in 2003. It moved under Schine, and served as a performance space where students could meet on-campus to grab a cup of coffee. It also doubled as a room for students to perform for their peers, relax, or even play video games. ‘It’s constantly improved over the years,’ said Wyan Smith, a senior finance and accounting major. Beattie said that Student Association President Larry Seivert and Helene Kahn, also in SA, saw a different purpose for Jabberwocky and Ludwig. ‘…Seivert and…Kahn made a proposal to create this new study space to help students that cannot find a place to study in their residence halls,’ Beattie said. ‘The Jabberwocky received more power, study furnishings and better lighting to improve conditions for studying.’ With far away residences like South Campus, the Brewster/Boland/Brockway complex and Lyons Hall, students must find places to kill time between classes. With Jabberwocky gone, only the Quad remains as a viable place on campus where students don’t have to be studious. But typical Syracuse weather will suspend the Quad’s availability in the upcoming months. From a practical standpoint, however, SU might be helping the student body. For a campus filled with 19,087 students, computers and quiet spaces become a rare commodity. ‘There’s not many places to stay in between classes since Schine can be a little overwhelming,’ Smith said, ‘This is really important, especially in Schine where the computer cluster is full.’ Unlike Smith though, other students are disappointed to see their once-reliable hangout spot transformed into a study-intensive lounge. ‘The [new] chairs look extremely uncomfortable,’ said Arika Moody, a senior child and family studies major. ‘The old chairs had multiple purposes, now they’re only to study.’ This is just the beginning of SU improving studying accommodations for students. Schine now has extended hours from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays, Beattie said. This seemingly puts Jabberwocky past the point of no return as a lounge only meant for academic purposes. The basement of Schine is only the first step in facility renovations. Over time, the rest of campus will catch up with Jabberwocky and Ludwig by also having upgraded facilities. ‘Study spaces in Bird Library are being increased and improved, as are the hours of operation of Bird,’ Beattie said. ‘Improvements have also been made to study and computer cluster spaces in Goldstein Student Center as well, to increase options for studying solo or in groups on South Campus.’ With Jabberwocky now customized to provide an attractive, efficient and reliable workspace for SU, students can hit the books in style. So while some may be disappointed to watch one of the few leisure spots fade away, others are glad to see the area given a new lease on life. ‘It’s a positive improvement on SU’s part,’ Smith said.

ansteinb@syr.edu