An Update on Campus Projects

Dear Baruch Students,

As we move deeper into the spring semester, I want to share some exciting updates on projects designed to improve Baruch’s infrastructure, enhance student spaces, and create a more accessible and welcoming campus. These improvements will provide more places to meet and study while enhancing accessibility across campus.

Current Projects Underway

• New Student Lounge and Baruch One Stop Shop (BOSS) Relocation: The former Bookstore space will be transformed into a larger student lounge, providing expanded access to technology, study areas, and collaborative spaces. As part of this effort, the BOSS—Baruch’s one-stop student resource center—will be relocated to this central, high-visibility location. This new 7,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of the Newman Vertical Campus (NVC) will also house the Baruch Welcome Center. Construction will begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
• Upgrades to the William and Anita Newman Library: The Library Modernization Plan is already progressing, with new lighting to be installed on the 4th floor, the return of 140 additional seats, and expanded quiet study zones. More renovations, including improved spaces on the 2nd and 4th floors, will soon begin to better support student learning.
• New Student Lounge at 17 Lex: As part of Phase 2 renovations of the Lawrence and Eris Field Building, we are creating a versatile new student space on the first floor, designed for collaboration, relaxation, and engagement. This space will feature comfortable seating, large-screen TV monitors, and convenient charging stations to support both study and social activities. Additional improvements include first-floor restroom upgrades; an ADA-compliant, all-gender facility; a new ramp and elevator for Mason Hall; and leveling off the sixth-floor mezzanine to create future classrooms. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
• Enhancing the Clivner=Field Plaza: If you’ve noticed the deep cleaning of the NVC façade, this is part of our broader effort to refresh the plaza. This spring, we will add new tables, chairs, and umbrellas to create a more comfortable outdoor space. Additionally, all granite surfaces, including the NVC entrance on 24th Street, will undergo deep cleaning to enhance the campus environment.
• Expanding Seating: Through several ongoing projects, we are adding nearly 500 new student seats across campus. Over half are already available, with the remainder coming later this spring and fall.
  • 140 on the 4th floor of the Library
  • 65 in 17 Lex in the multipurpose room and on the 2nd floor
  • 50 on Clivner=Field Plaza
  • 220 in the NVC first-floor hallway and in the future BOSS lounge
• Amenities Improvements: Working in collaboration with the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), we have added:
  • Nine new microwave ovens: six in the NVC and three in the Information and Technology Building (ITB), with five already available (four in the NVC and one in the ITB café area)
  • Complimentary menstrual products available in Baruch restrooms campuswide
• Reopening of the Aaronson Student Center: The serious plumbing issue during the previous semester is being managed carefully by our Facilities team to ensure this vital student space remains open.

Looking Ahead: Campus Master Plan
We have launched the process to create Baruch’s Campus Master Plan, laying out a long-term strategy to systematically improve our facilities, with a particular focus on student spaces that enhance engagement and educational experiences. This ambitious planning effort will unfold in phases throughout 2025 and 2026, and we want your input. I encourage you to get involved by attending the Spring 2025 Open House, participating in surveys, and joining interactive design presentations to help shape the future of our campus.

How to Stay Engaged
Our Campus Facilities and Operations team will continue to provide updates, which you can find on their website. Additionally, Vice President Alaina Gilligo has been actively reaching out to student groups and will continue to seek your feedback and ideas. I encourage you to participate in her engagement sessions. This is your opportunity to learn more about our campus improvements and to help us create a better environment that enhances your learning experience.

This is an exciting time at Baruch, and we look forward to building a dynamic, thriving campus—together.

Sincerely,

S. David Wu
President, Baruch College