The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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Collaboration space opens in Expressway Towers

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(Courtesy of Engaged Learning)

Think tank. Idea lab. Startup generator. SMU’s newest creative space is so open to interpretation that it has nearly 10 descriptors listed on the wall but there’s only one name you need to know: the CUBE.

Open since October 17, suite 600 in Expressway Towers has become what Engaged Learning administrators hope will be the next big push for SMU students to get involved.

A three-room space, previously housing the Big iDeas office, is a blank canvas for individuals and student groups to create and expand on innovative ideas.

“It’s not study hall. It’s a place for students to come together that are working on projects that are having some sort of community impact,” said Susan Kress, Director of Engaged Learning. “It’s a place for students to come and ideate.”

The CUBE offers plenty of white space for student to express themselves. The two breakout rooms, with views of downtown Dallas, have white board walls so that students can write on a big scale from floor to ceiling. With lockers for student groups to store their items longer term, the space is open for personalization. A kitchen is also available.

The Pitch Contest on October 31 will be the official kickoff for the CUBE, exhibiting emphasis on innovation in the space.

The Provost Office, who recently passed the Big iDeas grant program to the Engaged Learning department, funded the renovations for the space.

“The space as an office was sort of diverting the purpose,” Kress said.

The CUBE has already drawn attention from campus groups, including the Entrepreneurship Club, which will be holding meetings in the space.

The space is open Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday noon to 5 p.m. By contacting Kenneth Cedeno, students can have the space opened after hours for meetings as well.

A SMU ID is required for entry.

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