Computer Workstation-Equipped Space at Loop Campus Overlooks Wabash Avenue

In an effort to provide students with a state-of-the-art computer lab, lounge and meeting space, DePaul University’s School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI) opened a new facility on the ground floor of its Loop Campus building at 243 S. Wabash Ave. last week.

The CTI Commons is a plush, 1,800-square-foot gathering place for students located on the northeast corner of Jackson Blvd. and Wabash Ave. With large, picture windows providing plenty of natural lighting and a view of the city’s famous ‘L’ trains, the space is ideal for students working on collaborative projects and course assignments, or for simply taking a break between classes.

Located in the former location of a fast-food outlet, the CTI Commons features 25 computer workstations and wireless access throughout the facility. Several booths, each featuring multiple Internet access ports, line the space’s south wall, providing an optimal spot for group project work. The entire area features sleek, modern furniture, such as sofas, lounge chairs, coffee tables and traditional study tables. The facility will be available for student organization meetings, as well.

"The traditional computer labs are set up for students working by themselves," said DePaul CTI associate professor Daniel Mittleman. "More and more, we’re switching to team projects, and the new CTI Commons will help to facilitate them."

Large projectors will display graphics along the long walls, and stylish, metallic trusses will have the capability to suspend large, flat-screen monitors above the lounge floor. A Web camera will be enabled so that students may check the availability of booths and workstations online. Eventually, food service from a future vendor that will rent space next door will be offered through a service window.

In addition to providing DePaul CTI with additional visibility along one of the Loop’s busiest streets, the college wanted to offer more shared space for its students furnished with the latest technology.

Currently, the CTI Commons is open seven days a week (7 a.m. – 10 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon – 6 p.m. on Sundays), but only to students enrolled in a CTI course.

DePaul CTI is one of the largest computer science programs in the country. The undergraduate program enrolls nearly 1,300 students and offers eight different degrees. More than 2,200 students are enrolled in the graduate program. DePaul CTI also features a doctoral degree program in computer science. For more information on DePaul CTI, visit www.cs.depaul.edu.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange a tour of the new CTI Commons, please call Shawn Malayter at 312-362-6978).