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The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts has something new in its repertoire. Jackson Hall will serve as a venue for large lecture classes beginning in winter quarter and continuing through the 2016-17 academic year. Biological Sciences (BIS) 2C will be the first course to meet in the hall.

Seating will be limited to the orchestra level, for a maximum classroom capacity of 850. Mondavi Center Executive Director Don Roth worked to ensure that no changes will be made to Jackson Hall that would impact the audience experience during performances. Students attending lectures will be provided portable writing surfaces to use during class, and adequate bike parking is being planned in the area. 

Undergraduate Education, and Capital and Space Planning (in the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer) worked with the Mondavi Center to meet the campus's need for more classroom space.

As it stands now, Freeborn Hall is closed for seismic retrofitting, and the new California Avenue lecture hall will not come onlne until the fall of 2017. Once the new building opens, the Multi-Actvity Court (in the Activities and Recreation Center), also serving a temporary space for large lecture courses, will no longer be used as a classroom.

“Jackson Hall will provide a superb environment for teaching and learning, will produce an aesthetically appealing classroom experience and will expose many students to the Mondavi Center who might otherwise miss experiencing this world-class facility,” said Carolyn Thomas, vice provost and dean for Undergraduate Education. “It will also help us continue to provide courses in a timely manner as we bridge the gap between the present and our new classroom space in 2017.”

Save the date for ADMAN: March 9

The 2016 ADMAN Conference will be held Wednesday, March 9 — so, please save the date if you are interested in attending.

The Administrative Management Group, or ADMAN, presents the conference, but it isn’t just for administrative managers.

“We have opened our conference to all who are interested in professional development,” said Michelle Hammer Coffer, ADMAN vice chair.

Gaylene Miller and Brenda Scalzi, co-chairs of the 2016 conference, announced this year’s theme: “One of a Kind, Like You! Personal and Professional Branding.”

The organizers said Lisa Montanaro will be the keynote speaker. She’s a productivity consultant, success coach, business strategist, speaker and author.

The ADMAN conference is an all-day event, with lunch included, at the Conference Center. , and the registration link on that page will go live on Feb. 3.

TRANSITION: Currall named SMU Academic Affairs and provost-VP

Steven C. Currall, former dean of the Graduate School of Management, has been appointed provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Southern Methodist University, effective Jan. 1.

Currall recently transitioned back to the GSM faculty after serving for a year as special adviser to chancellor for strategic projects and initiatives. He co-chaired the University of the 21st Century Committee and formulated a preliminary plan for an additional campus in Sacramento.

He joined �ٺ���Ƶ as the GSM dean in 2009 and served until 2014. During that time, the school reached the highest ranking in its history, the school’s endowment increased by 218 percent in market value, annual giving increased 189 percent, alumni giving increased 47 percent and research funding increased 164 percent.

“I want to thank Steve for his dedication to �ٺ���Ƶ over the years, and in particular while he served as my senior adviser during this last year,” Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi said. “Steve will bring to Southern Methodist University strong academic leadership and a deep understanding of the needs of students, faculty and staff. We know he will contribute to and help advance the wonderful culture and distinguished reputation of SMU.”