APRIL FOOLS EDITION: Treetop learning environment construction slated to begin this summer

USC Aiken announced plans to build new classrooms in partnership with the biology and philosophy departments. The classrooms, which will be in newly-constructed tree structures, will be referred to as “treetop learning environments.”

The classrooms are set to have a ladder as well as a ramp in order to enable access for all students. There will also be a sloped emergency exit, comparable to a slide.

The program will begin with botany and philosophy courses but is set to expand if student response is positive. The university has been considering creating a separate structure to provide for a quiet reading area. The seating style has not yet been determined but is estimated to be informal, offering students options like beanbag chairs, raised seating and adjustable-height desks.

“We are extremely thankful for this opportunity,” said program coordinator Will O. Grove. “We hope to give students a new and unique experience. We are starting with biology and philosophy, as we feel that being able to directly interact with nature will greatly improve students’ experience in these fields.”

Construction on these new classrooms is set to begin this summer with plans to offer courses during the fall 2023 semester after construction is completed a year from today on April 1, 2023.