New Student Facilities on Oakland Campus

New learning spaces and other student facilities are opening on the Oakland campus just in time for the fall semester at Samuel Merritt University (SMU).

Crews were hard at work over the summer in the Peralta Medical Office Building (MOB) to build three new classrooms, two of which are fully enabled with technology for distance learning to serve students on other SMU campuses.

Also opening is a 1,400-square-foot “smart” teaching laboratory for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, equipped with new monitors and beds. 

Lillian Harvin, director of campus planning and construction, said the new classrooms are all former doctor's offices that were redesigned to accommodate student learning.

"We look for any opportunities we can find to expand our educational space on the Oakland campus," said Harvin. 

Other new or renovated facilities now available include:​

·     Men’s and women’s locker rooms on the third floor of the MOB for DPT students to change clothes and store their personal items while they’re working in the lab.​

·     Updated and expanded restrooms on the third floor of the MOB.​

·     A new student kitchenette with microwave ovens, toasters, and refrigerators on the ground floor of Peralta Pavilion down the hall from the lower student lounge.​

·     A new group study room on the fourth floor of the Peralta Pavilion.

“The renovations allow us to address some longstanding needs,” said Craig Elliott, PhD, assistant vice president for Enrollment and Student Services. “We gain additional classrooms and some needed study space, which relieve some pressure in the learning environment and contribute to student success.”