Hi Sarah
We have recently moved into our purpose built open plan space that
houses LearnHigher, Write Now, our Writing Centre and Career
Development. There is an area as the students enter our floor that is
encompassed by a curved, not to ceiling wall that hides the office space
from immediate view and allows students to use the facilities there for
them without having to engage with staff if they do not want. All staff
work beyond the student area in open plan spaces. In addition there are
5 meeting rooms, equipped with network and wireless facilities and
available for all confidential meetings with students or between staff.
These can be used at any time, (possibly for students to use with other
students too, but we don't have many here to test that yet).
The advantage of open plan working is the potential sharing of ideas
and practices and support that staff provide for each other. We also
have a big boardroom table (semi private) for use by any of the staff
for any meetings and lunch too! This is an essential facility, and ours
is in use much of the time, often for people wanting quick working
together sessions. I am a great fan of open plan and think they make for
the development of good working practices. I was the first here at Hope
to be head of an academic department and take academics (kicking and
shouting) into an open plan area. But it was a big space and worked
well. If anyone needs space away from any interference whatsoever here
they can work in one of our meeting rooms or we have no problem with
them staying at home if the task is better accomplished there.
Some do get very twitchy and territorial about the space they work in
and any change does have to be managed with sensitivity to their
perceived work needs. But address their needs and make sure to foster a
good collaborative environment and you should have fun.
Good luck with yours
Best
Jill
>>> Sarah McCarthy <[log in to unmask]> 07/26/07 3:21 pm >>>
Hi everyone,
As a result of recent re-structuring, it is highly likely
that we (a student skills unit, including 2 learning skills
advisers, and a unit that works primarily with academic
staff)will be working in an open plan space. At the moment,
we have our own rooms which works well for the kind of work
we do - seeing students individually for learning skills
support, or supporting staff who wish to improve their
teaching.
I was just wondering what kind of spaces our colleagues work
in - particularly those who work in open plan offices. What
do you see as being the potential benefits/disadvantages of
this way of working for students or staff you support? This
might be especially pertinent to LearnHigher colleagues who
may have used capital funding for such spaces.
I'd be really grateful to hear your views on this.
Best,
Sarah
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Sarah McCarthy
University of Exeter
Jill Armstrong
LearnHigher Director
Liverpool Hope University
Hope Park
Liverpool L16 9JD
Tel: 0151 291 3289
Fax: 0151 291 2033
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