We are delighted to share the news that on 26 April, the James McCune Smith Learning Hub opened to students for the first time. Initially the building is operating with a reduced capacity and with COVID restrictions in place.

When permitted to fully open the JMSLH will provide capacity for over 2,500 students, including technology-enhanced active learning spaces and the latest AV/IT facilities. It will also operate three catering outlets, serving a range of hot and cold food and drinks.

The building has been designed with connectivity in mind to support modern ways of learning, this includes superfast wifi across the building and ubiquitous power points for connecting and charging devices. When we are allowed to increase group learning on our campuses, the JMSLH will provide a range of modern teaching spaces, which include reconfigurable seating and 4K screens for collaborative learning.

All colleagues and students are advised that in Protection Level 3 the guidance remains that study should be done remotely if possible, and access to campus reserved only for activities that cannot be done from home. Before travelling to campus, students are advised to check capacity levels in our study spaces, using the UofG Life app.

Professor Frank Coton, Vice Principal (Academic Planning & Technological Innovation), said: “Although initially we’re only able to operate in a reduced capacity, and in strict adherence to the COVID health and safety guidance, it is nevertheless fantastic to finally be able to welcome students into the James McCune Smith Learning Hub.

“A huge congratulations to all our colleagues and contractors who have worked tirelessly, and in difficult circumstances, to ensure that this state-of-the-art new facility can open successfully and safely.”

Liam Brady, President of the Student Representative Council, said: "Although not how we had hoped the JMSLH would be opening, this new building will be a fantastic addition to the student experience. It will provide much needed additional study space on campus and, when safe to do so, will be a collaborative spot for learning and teaching as well as for our clubs and societies and other student activities."

Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith, Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching), said: “The James McCune Smith Learning Hub really is a world-leading facility for students at the University of Glasgow, providing the learning and teaching spaces and technologies to support a wide range of creative teaching approaches, group and individual study spaces of the highest quality.

“Initially, as we move through the pandemic, it will be opened for study purposes only, ensuring we can offer more high-quality learning spaces for those who cannot study at home. However, provided restrictions continue to ease in coming months, I look forward to seeing more colleagues and students using this excellent new facility for teaching, group and individual study in the future.”

Construction on the JMSLH started in October 2017, on the site of the former Maths & Stats building on University Avenue.

First published: 6 May 2021

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