Students: Need a place on campus to study or relax in between classes?

three students play a video game in the CUB's second floor north lobby
portrait from Stetson Cheer Team
Todd Conte

Sophomore Todd Conte commutes 40 minutes each way to Stetson University and, if there’s a gap in between his classes, he needs a place to hang out or study while he waits.

His favorite spot: The Carlton Union Building, especially the Student Lounge on the second floor. A political science/pre-law major, he has a three-hour gap this semester between classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and likely will be found there.

“The CUB is a really good area to go to, because there’s lot of seats. The entire upstairs of the CUB is already pre-social distanced,” said Conte, a commuter from Umatilla who also works in the CUB. “It’s a very welcoming environment. It’s just like the library.”

Students take a break in the second-floor North Lobby of the Carlton Union Building. Photo: Stetson University/Faith Jones

Student gathering spots have limited capacity this year to provide physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. A few popular spots, such as the Coffee Shop and the Hat Rack, offer take-out orders only and no longer provide indoor seating. As a result, Stetson administrators have identified a list of places across campus where students can go for quiet study, to take classes online or meet with friends.

Lua Hancock

“This conversation started as a need expressed to us from commuter students that they may have an online class that ends just 10 or 20 minutes before they want to attend a class in person,” said Lua Hancock, vice president of Campus Life and Student Success. “One of them told us they planned to go online in their car, but we wanted to make sure the students have safe spaces to study inside and outside on campus.” 

Here is a list of available spaces. Students should remember to follow guidelines for physical distancing and wear a face covering.

  • Libby Lawn – On the grass between the CUB and the Templeton Fountain is a large tent designated as a social gathering space for students. It will have WiFi, and you might be able to reserve it for social functions but it cannot be reserved for classes. 
  • Palm Court – On the grass between the Holler Fountain and the Welcome Center will be a tent designated as a group study space for the library. It will have WiFi but cannot be reserved for classes or social gatherings. 
  • The President’s Lawn – This tent will include WiFi and basic technology for teaching classes, and can be reserved for classes or other functions. When it is not reserved for a class or event, it can be used by students as a gathering place to relax or study. 
  • duPont-Ball Library and Academic Success – These areas can be used within their current, reduced-capacity limits. The library building will have an occupancy limit of 50 people, beginning Thursday, Aug. 13.
  • Inside the CUB — The second-floor North Wing can provide space for about 30 students with limited capacity for physical distancing. Some desks and meeting rooms have TV screens and HDMI cables for students to hook up their laptops for an online class. Available first-come, first-served. The CUB staff will provide additional cleaning between users. 
    • North Lobby, second floor 
    • Collaboratorium, second floor, with four offices/meeting rooms available
    • Student Lounge, second floor, opening Monday, Aug. 17 (a pool table, air hockey table and indoor hammocks available for use). 
Kim Tilus
Kim Tilus
  • Outside the CUB — Students can use the Coffee Shop patio, rocking chairs on the front porch, and other outdoor tables and chairs. 
  • Lynn Business Center — Extra computers with microphones have been added to the Ground floor computer lab for students to take online classes. 
  • Tables/chairs outside – Any other outdoor seating space designed for your enjoyment or relaxation can continue to be used for that purpose. 
  • Classroom Spaces – In addition, some classrooms will be available at specific times.
    • All week: Monday-Sunday
      • Allen Hall 101 from 5-11 p.m. (capacity of 25) 
      • Elizabeth Hall 202 from 1-11 p.m. (capacity of 6) 
    • M-W-F only 
      • Elizabeth Hall 209 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (capacity of 12) 
      • Flagler Hall 311 from 1-11 p.m. (capacity of 6) 
    • T-R only
      • Elizabeth Hall 103 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (capacity of 9) 
      • Flagler Hall 211 from 3-11 p.m. (capacity of 8) 
      • Sage 257 from 5-11 p.m. (capacity of 22) 

More gathering places may be added for students this semester. For updates, follow the CLaSS social media platforms. Updates also will be included in the bi-monthly communication sent to commuters, said Kim Tilus, associate director for Student Development for the Office of Student Development & Campus Vibrancy.