Student FAQ

Q) Would it be possible to have desktop computer stations on the second or third floor, in or near the learning communities?
A) Our current plans continuation of the current 16 computer stations on the fourth floor, wireless access throughout the building, and data jacks for some PCs in the learning communities.

Q) Since there are plans to make the Sackler building wireless, will there be an increase in the number of laptops that are available to students through the Library?
A) We will continue to monitor laptop need and use, and will increase availability as necessary.

Q) Are there plans to increase the number of electric outlets in Sackler B?
A) This need has been incorporated into the renovation of the cafe and library, as well as the learning communities and classrooms. At this point, the power supply in Sackler B will remain as is.

Q) Will there be more power outlets throughout the Sackler building, now that wireless access is available?
A) Yes, that has been part of our plan from the beginning. We have increased the number of outlets in the building, and will continue to monitor use and increase outlets as necessary.

Q) Can the staff find out more detail about the alternative study sites? For example, when other libraries will be open, and whether they offer wireless?
A) We will do our best to provide more information on these alternative study sites as we learn more. In turn, if you discover any helpful information, please post details on The Big Move wiki.

Q) With the projected limited lecture hall space, how will exams be administered?
A) We will be administering different versions of the same exam, so sitting next to another student will no longer be problematic

Q) Where will receptions and other large events that were formally held in the Sackler 8 Dining Room be held during the construction?
A) While neither Sackler nor TUSM tend to host many truly large-scale events, there is available space in the CitiCenter (formerly the Wang.)

Q) Can you provide a display space to highlight student accomplishments and activities, such as Sharewood?
A) We are beginning to plan artwork and graphics for the building and will add this idea into our considerations. With the attempt to bring in more light, the wall space is more limited than in the current building.

Q) Can people post class & meeting schedules on the doors of Jaharis rooms that will be used temporarily by medical students during the renovation, so that we know when a room is free or not?
A) Yes, we will ask that room schedules be posted on doors.

Q) During the summer, can we temporarily designate the MRC as a study space, so that students can have somewhere to both use computers and study quietly?
A) Great suggestion. Plans are underway to make this possible.

Q) Will there be study rooms dedicated for first-year PhD students, for example a section of the learning community, since lab space often isn't sufficient?
A) Since Sackler Students usually prefer to be located close their laboratories and classrooms, space is available in Jaharis or M&V.

Q) Why is there still so much library shelving on the 5th Floor?
A) A great deal of shelving has already been removed, and more is scheduled to be removed. Over the past couple years we will have removed more than 75% of the shelving on this floor.

Q) How will I have access to offline journals and texts if they're being moved out of the stacks and into storage?
A) Students and faculty will still have access to all stacks -- requests can be made through library circulation, and may take slightly longer. To avoid inconvenience, we have only moved journals with electronic versions available to us.

Q) Will the current hot food vendor (the one for the 4th floor and Jaharis cafe) be the same for the new cafeteria? Can they provide more hot entrees to meet a growing demand?
A) One vendor will provide food to all the cafeterias on the Boston campus, but we are unsure of who that vendor will be. With student input, we have settled on a menu that contains more healthy choices and more variety. Regardless of the vendor, the menu and hours will reflect our discussions with students.

Q) The vending machines don't work correctly. Can we get a new vendor for the machines, and can we also look into machines that dispense healthy food?
A) We are reevaluating our current vending machine contractor, and plan to make changes that will result in machines that work properly. We will look into contractors that offer healthier items.

Q) Will it be possible to schedule construction around classes, study time, etc?
A) We have planned a very tight construction schedule in order to get as many classrooms as possible back in use by September. While we are sensitive to student use of the Sackler building, it will be noisy throughout the summer.

Q) Will the 4th floor bridge be closed during construction?
A) No. The bridge will remain open, and construction crews will post signs indicating where it's safe to walk.

Q) During the summer, can we use the gross anatomy lockers in M&V first floor & basement?
A) Good idea. We will follow up and let you know if this is possible.

Q) Will students have a say in color schemes, furniture choice and other cosmetic issues?
A) Because of our expedited schedule, the Steering Committee will be making decisions on furniture, paint and carpet to ensure we maintain a uniform visual identity that echoes the Tufts color palette. While we regret not being able to extend a personal choice to everyone, we emphasize that our choices were guided by comfort, privacy, attractiveness and other concerns voiced by staff, faculty and students.

Q) When are the administrative offices (OSA, OEA, Financial Aid) moving and where will they be located? Will hours of operation remain the same? Will their phone numbers remain the same?
A) All administrative offices in the Sackler building are moving twice -- once to temporary quarters and a second time to their permanent space. Schedules vary, depending on when permanent space is completed. Phone numbers will remain the same and we expect all offices to be open during their regular hours. The construction schedule on the web contains information about exactly where offices will be located, both temporarily and permanently.

Q) Will the construction have any impact on location of classrooms, class times and the academic schedule?
A) When classes begin in August 2008, new classrooms on the 5th and 8th floors will not be ready. The schedule is being adjusted to accommodate this classroom shortage. For second semester, both Sackler A and B will be closed, as will the MRC. Lectures will be relocated to Posner and Behrakis. Some lectures may take place in Wolff auditorium or in the first floor auditorium in the HNRCA.

Q) When will the Clinical Skills Center be open? When can we see it?
A) The Clinical Skills Center is scheduled to be completed in mid-May, when OEA moves there temporarily. In July, students will take their OSCEs in this new space. This is a particularly critical time for construction, as the heavy glass walls between exam rooms are being installed. For the next six weeks, please avoid visiting the site so as not to interfere with construction and to adhere to safety standards.

Q) Will I still need to show my ID to gain access to the building? Will the hours of the library and the building change during construction? Will I still have card access to the building after 7PM and on the weekends during construction? Will all the elevators stay in use or will some be designated for the construction crew?
A) During the last phase of construction, we will be building a canopy that extends the building exterior and allows secure use of the stairs so that elevator travel between floors is no longer necessary. In addition, security for library will be confined to the 1st floor entrance and 4th floor bridge. This means that elevators will stop at all floors. Other than these changes, security remains the same, e.g., using an ID to enter, card access to building after hours, etc. At times, some elevator stops may be locked when a floor is under construction. In general, construction crews will use back elevators and load and unload construction materials during off hours.

Q) What are the hours that the construction crew will be working? e.g. 7AM - 3PM so late afternoon/evening study in the library would be quiet? Will they have IDs?
A) Because construction is on a short time frame (May 2008- August 2009), for most of the project construction will occur during three shifts and on weekends. The construction on 2, 3 and part of 4 should be completed by mid-September, which means that the learning communities will be quiet for study for first semester. There will be some noise on the 4th floor while the cafe is being constructed. The noisiest construction is on the ground and first floors, well away from the library. We are providing a list of alternative study sites for students who find the construction noise bothersome. All construction workers receive temporary IDs.

Q) Will there be any coffee, soda, snacks available in the building? If not, can hours/menu be extended at either Jaharis or Cultured Kitchen? Can the vending machines be fixed or vendor changed - about half the time they take the money and you can't get your item.
A) We are looking into setting up a cart that would offer most of the food and drinks now available at Books and Bagels. The location of the cart is under discussion -- probable site is the 1st floor. We will attempt to find temporary and permanent locations for the machines now in the 3rd floor lounge. The vending machine company is being changed when the current contract expires.

Q) When will the Student Lounge close? Will students have access to microwaves, refrigerator during construction? How about the pool table, foosball & ping pong?
A) The Student Lounge will be closed permanently on May 19. The learning communities that open on August 18 contain kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, and sinks. Some recreational equipment is being relocated to the Posner Lounge.

Q) Will the MRC be available?
A) The MRC is unaffected during the first and second phases of construction (May 19, 2008 through December 2008). During ground and first floor construction, the MRC will be located in the 50-student classroom on the 3rd floor.

Q) Where will we pick up caps and gowns, syllabi, and course materials after the OSA moves?
A) Syllabi and course materials will continue to be available in OSA. From the end of April 2008 until approximately mid-September, OSA will be located on the 5th floor of the library in offices currently occupied by TUSK.

Q) Can I look at the new space during construction?
A) Not until construction is completed. Construction sites are dangerous and pose a liability for visitors.

Q) Why do lockers have to be emptied by May 16? Can 2nd year students leave their belongings in their lockers until after they take Step 1 in June?
A) We are on a very tight construction schedule. All construction on the 2nd and 3rd floors, which contain most classrooms and the learning communities, must be ready when classes begin in August. We are beginning demolition the Monday after graduation; a delay in demolition of the lockers until after the Step 1 exams would mean that we could not have the classrooms ready for the beginning of the academic year.

Q) Will there be a disruption in computer services? If so, how will we be notified?
A) Computer services should not be affected by the construction.

Q) When will there be more wireless available?
A) We have planned for a significant upgrade of wireless throughout the building. Each phase of construction includes wireless upgrade and construction. So, for example, when the 2nd and 3rd floors are reopened at the end of August, wireless access will be available. The wireless access periodically available in Sackler A&B occurs when OIT access points bleed through. When OIT moves in mid-April, those access points will remain. You will notice completely accessibility when Sackler B reopens in August 2009.

Q) Whom do we contact with concerns?
A) Please email questions to thebigmove@tufts.edu We have created a wiki that will allow you to ask questions and share information in real time. The web is always a good place to keep track of what is going on with construction. The site will be updated continuously. https://wikis.uit.tufts.edu/confluence/display/TheBigMove