Accessibility

Physical

North Quad’s writing center space is by far the largest. When you enter, there are self-check-in computers in the lobby or a staff member will be available to help you check in. A roomier carpeted waiting room complete with low and wide couches is followed by a wide hallway. Each Writing Workshop consultant meets with students in their private office attached to the hallway. The rooms will vary depending on the design choices of their owners.

Sensory

The lighting in the space is mostly fluorescent, although individual offices may have differing lighting, like lamps. Each room has a door that can be kept open or closed to reduce noise.

Navigability

The North Quad space has signage and is typically well populated. The space is in the lower level of North Quad. You can find detailed directions to the North Quad location on our About Us page.

Entering the restrooms by the elevators requires pushing a door without a handle; it can be heavy. There is an accessible stall in the restroom. There is one gender-inclusive restroom in North Quad on the second floor dining suite area across from Java Blue. It is open only during dining hall hours.

Physical

The Sweetland space in Shapiro is a large carpeted L-shaped room with one private room available for consultations. When you enter, a receptionist will be at the desk to help check you in.

Many different open tables are available for use in Shapiro. Most are circular, and there is a large rectangular table as well. Students can choose whether they want to sit across from their consultant or next to them.

There are both rolling chairs without armrests and stationary chairs available. The seat heights are not very adjustable. Some round cushion chairs are available for students waiting for their appointment to begin. More of these chairs are available for consultation use by the window, if students aren’t interested in sitting at a table.

There is plenty of room to stim in this space!

Sensory

Usually, 3 consultations will be occurring at the same time in Shapiro. However, the size of the room allows the consultations to be separated enough to minimize auditory distractions. The surrounding area of the library tends to be relatively quiet. 

The Shapiro space is lit by large windows during the day and overhead fluorescent lights at night. They are adjustable, but since Shapiro working hours tend to be around or after dark, they can feel bright. 

Large whiteboards are available for use by students or consultants during the session! A variety of whiteboard markers are also available.

Navigability

Shapiro Library’s elevators are near the entrance of the library in the lobby and drop the student off near the Sweetland space and the restrooms of the second floor. Signage right by the elevators will point the student in the direction of Sweetland’s room.

The restrooms by the elevators have two doors to enter. These doors have to be pushed and do not have a handle; they can be heavy. There is an accessible stall in the restroom. Gender-inclusive restrooms are not available on the 2nd floor, but are available on the 4th floor and in the basement. None of these restrooms have automatic doors.

The Sweetland room itself has plenty of space for a wheelchair to navigate.

The Knox Center Adaptive Technology Computing Site is also on the 2nd floor of the library. Access to the Center must be requested through SSD.

Physical

This private room in Shapiro is relatively small, but roomy when occupied by only two people (student and consultant). Its entrance is a glass door.

The room contains a four-person table and has a large whiteboard on the wall. It also has a large monitor mounted on the wall for student or consultant use.

The room contains rolling chairs without armrests. The table is a rectangle and the student can choose if they want to sit next to or across from their consultant.

Sensory

This room is a great option for those who want an in-person appointment but prefer a quieter space. Other consultations can still be heard from the larger Sweetland space but are not very loud.

This room has lower lighting options available, and it is very adjustable depending on student preference. There is a floor lamp in the corner and adjustable overhead lights.

There are no windows in this room. The glass door faces the rest of the Shapiro space.

There are low visual distractions in this room, with little to no color, art, or signage.

Navigability

You can request to use this space when scheduling your appointment on WC Online. If the room is available, you will be directed there by the receptionist when you arrive. Your consultant will be in the room.

It is recommended that if you have a particularly strong preference for this room, you note this on your intake form on WCOnline in order to ensure that you receive priority access.

There is space for a wheelchair in the room but it may not be comfortable to navigate in and out of.

Physical

This is the smallest writing center space. It is possible that another consultation will be happening closely in the same room. There are both low- and high-top tables and a variety of chair types. The ground is carpeted and without rugs. 

Facilities and resources associated with this space include fidget toys, a fridge, and gender-inclusive bathroom next door.

Sensory

All chairs in this space are rolling. Some are adjustable to change in height. The walls are painted a muted color. One window and several fluorescent lights illuminate the room. 

There are dance practice rooms nearby, so it is often noisy when they are in use.

Navigability

You can request to use this space when scheduling your appointment on WC Online. If the room is available, you will be directed there by the receptionist when you arrive. Your consultant will be in the room.

It is recommended that if you have a particularly strong preference for this room, you note this on your intake form on WCOnline in order to ensure that you receive priority access.

There is space for a wheelchair in the room but it may not be comfortable to navigate in and out of.