Which Areas at St. Michael’s Can I Have Synchronous
Classes?
Carina Mercado, Opinions Editor
Studying in a post-lockdown school environment, technology has become a more crucial tool in
university. One of the tools, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, has been almost permanently
integrated in our academic journey. While other guides list the best study spots on campus, I
found that most of the time, the locations listed are silent spaces, or too loud for a call. Luckily,
St. Michael’s has multiple spaces and lounges that accommodate all students from those who
need complete, pin-drop silence for exams to mic-on-for-the-whole-call group meetings.
Yes!
Kelly Cafe – Kelly Cafe is the spot for St. Michael’s College students grab a coffee or tea, sit to
eat lunch, and attend synchronous classes. It is a lively place, with alluring art, usually full of
students. Most surfaces have outlets and cushioned seating. Plus, the Library has books for sale
at the door!
Fr. Madden Hall – Located in Car Hall, Fr. Madden Hall has one table that can be used for
online meetings. When it is not occupied for book sales or public lectures, it serves as another
hallway to Carr Hall classrooms. If you don’t mind being heard by passers-by, Fr. Madden Hall
is a quick stop to set up camp.
Dodig Family Student Common (The Coop) – The Coop is located in Brennan Hall alongside
the SMCSU and The Mike Offices. It’s a large, bright space, with various seating, white boards,
microwaves, and even table tennis for study breaks. I prefer the Coop over all other locations as
it is large enough that you can’t disturb other people’s studying but is not empty.
Yes if…
Canada Room – … your class does not require cameras to be on. Thus, zoom calls in the Canada
Room lets students eat while viewing lectures. Being a student space with a lot of seating, zoom
call conversations are possible with the possibility of people walking behind you, sounds of
dishes clanking, and food being seen by your zoom audience.)
Quad Garden Space – … if you can tolerate the Canadian weather. While setting down a
blanket next to Michael the Archangel and having the beautiful grass and sunlight as your zoom
blanket sounds euphoric, that cannot be said for the winter semester. The inches of snow and
brutal wind chill may leave you too frozen to answer your professors’ questions. I definitely
recommend the Quad for the start of the Fall semester, or if you have multiple winter coats.
Kelly Library Study Group – … you’ve already booked them ahead of time. Arguably the most
secluded space available for zoom meetings, you can have online presentations, meetings,
classes, appointments with no outside auditory distractions. Most study rooms at Kelly have
whiteboards, TVs, and outlets. The downside is that study rooms must be booked in advance and
cannot accommodate impromptu calls.)
No
Kelly Library Second Floor and Up – …All floors above the ground floor in Kelly are reserved
for silence to near-silence. Kelly Library is perfect for exam cram sessions or re-watching lecture
recordings. While the library spaces provide you all the amenities that come with study spaces, it
is not fit for zoom calls. Other students enter the library specifically for silence that is not
available in public.)
Odette Hall – Odette Hall houses the offices of SMC faculty, connected to St. Basil’s Church.
While the hall has sitting space and ample lighting, loud conversation can disrupt office work or
religious programs.
