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Lycoming College was granted $50,000 from the High Foundation in support of a new Learning Commons on campus. This funding supported the construction of the first phase of a Learning Commons, as identified in the College’s strategic plan, to enhance the role of the library, learning supports, and information technology to strengthen student outcomes.
Although offerings in academic support services, which include tutoring and study groups in all subject areas, the Writing Center, and the Math Center, were already robust, the location of these services in separate areas on the upper floors of Snowden Library proved to be a barrier to student usage in terms of visibility, space accommodation, and physical access. Relocating these spaces to a central location on the ground floor allows for increased student access, which is essential to impacting academic success and retention.
“We’re excited to provide a centralized hub for students where they can easily access tutoring, research, and IT services that are dedicated to their success. Bringing these areas closer to each other will also be a great opportunity for us to easily collaborate on innovations for these services. Overall, we hope this will contribute to the lively and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create in the library,” said Tori Lieggi, assistant professor and instructional services librarian, coordinator of access services and co-chair of Snowden Library.
Tutoring services at Lycoming enjoy broad-based support, from senior administration through faculty. Services are always free of charge and are provided on a peer-to-peer basis, allowing students to support — and receive support from — fellow students. Peer tutors are closely supervised by faculty, and nearly 20 percent are of diverse backgrounds. Also located within the Learning Commons are the offices of Sarah Kauffman, director of the Writing Center and Tutoring Services and a lecturer of English, and Christopher Reed, director of the Math Center and an instructor of mathematics.
“This new, contiguous space affords more flexibility for group and one-on-one interactions and increase awareness and utilization of services, furthering educational equity,” commented Kauffman. “The Learning Commons will enhance Lycoming’s services that are responsive to the success of all students on campus, and furthering academic success will support our students in achieving their educational and career goals.”
Additionally, increased usage of academic supports will bolster families’ return on investment in a high-quality undergraduate education. Achieving learning outcomes will position students to graduate into lives of social mobility and continued growth. Social mobility specifically is measured by U.S. News & World Report, which most recently ranked Lycoming No. 5 in the nation, reflecting its record of success with lower-income students.
Construction for the Learning Commons took place during the summer months, and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Aug. 29, 2025, in time to welcome students to campus for the fall semester. “In response to evolving community needs, High Foundation invests in economic vibrancy, community vitality, and individual and social well-being through community partnerships where High companies operate,” said Robin Stauffer, executive director, High Foundation.
This is Lycoming’s first grant received by the High Foundation, about which you can learn more at https://www.highfoundation.org/grant-program.
