Pull up a new courtyard seat and learn about the latest additions and innovations around campus as the academic year gets underway!
Rock on, Captains
The Great Lawn will always be a campus fav on a sunny day, but there’s a new spot that might give it friendly competition. Comfortable rocking chairs now line the courtyard between Luter School of Business and the Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC). This outdoor furniture, combined with new large chalkboards on the building's exterior walls, will give students and faculty a new space to connect and relax. The area is expected to become a popular destination for the entire University community.
The H.E.L.M. to open 24/7
Looking for a late-night study snack or maybe some laundry pods? The H.E.L.M. (Health Essentials and Living Market) will be your around-the-clock place to shop. At The H.E.L.M., you can “shop, scan, and go.” Located in the David Student Union (DSU), the frictionless (cashless) store can be accessed from the outside at any hour. After 8 p.m., students and staff will need to use their campus IDs to swipe in. The store was inspired by a request from President Bill Kelly, who wanted to explore how to provide 24/7 access to affordably priced essentials for students, while keeping them safely on campus and reducing the need for late-night driving.
“President Kelly’s vision of keeping our students safe while meeting their needs at all hours of the day inspired the creation of The H.E.L.M.,” said Taryn Boone, executive director of Auxiliary Services. “We know students stay up late studying, or sometimes want to grab a protein bar on their way to class instead of a full breakfast, so we’re filling the shelves and freezers with snacks and items they would want that are different from what we currently provide on campus.”
Faculty and staff meal plans are now on the menu
Due to popular demand, faculty and staff meal plans are now available. Like students, faculty and staff can now purchase a dining plan for Regattas or The Commons. The plans are sold in packages of 10, 25, or 50 meals. Faculty and staff can purchase the plans through payroll deductions, and the meals can be used any time of day - breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Clean, green mowing machines
You may notice new robotic lawn mowers roving around campus. These environmentally-friendly machines run on rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for gasoline and oil and cutting out the associated air pollution. Unlike gas mowers that can kick up clouds of debris, robotic units keep allergens at a minimum. The machines work in environmentally sensitive ways while allowing Grounds staff to beautify other areas around campus.
Plug in and power up
As part of other campus green initiatives, seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been added to the faculty and staff parking lot, also known as the Luter Lot or Parking Lot D, outside the SERC. The charging service fee is $1 per hour of connection time and 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed. Students, staff, and faculty must have a valid parking permit.
Parking update: now that construction of the SERC is complete, the Luter Lot is once again fully open for faculty and staff parking, as well as those wishing to use the EV charging stations.
James River Hall improvements
James River Hall has undergone a refresh. The residence hall upgrades include a new roof, energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the building, fresh interior paint, and new flooring.
Coffee and more to go
You now have a new way to place your order for coffee and more from Einstein’s Café or any of the University’s retail food locations. Two new ordering kiosks will soon be available to make ordering easier for students and staff. One kiosk will be located at Einstein’s and the other in the DSU.
New Partnership with NYC theater development company
Students will have an inside look at how ideas and scripts evolve into stage productions through an exciting new partnership with New York City-based Tectonic Theater Project. With support from the Ferguson Center, students will explore how collaboration and experimentation create compelling stories for the stage.
New course on the ethics of AI, and a new concentration in Philosophy of Law
Students planning to major in philosophy can now concentrate in philosophy of law, which provides excellent preparation for law school. Philosophy majors typically earn among the highest scores on the LSAT. Additionally, a timely new course in philosophy is being offered. The Ethics of AI explores the moral challenges posed by artificial intelligence and its societal, legal, and philosophical implications.
Virtual reality lab partnership
Students will have the chance to help bring a piece of maritime history to life through virtual reality. The University has partnered with the Mariners’ Museum and NOAA with a project centered around the USS Monitor, the Civil War ship that sank off the coast of North Carolina in 1962. History will meet virtual reality as students work alongside faculty and project partners to develop virtual environments for exploring the Monitor. The internships will blend technology, history, and storytelling.
Speak Spanish and expand your career options
This new undergraduate certificate in Spanish will give students practical language and cultural skills needed for success in a wide variety of careers in business, technology, medicine, and community engagement.
Welcome Chief Sean L. Peterson, University Police
Chief Peterson brings decades of military experience and leadership roles from across multiple Virginia law enforcement agencies to campus. A decorated combat veteran, Chief Peterson has served more than 30 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve and currently holds the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia Southern University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is looking forward to meeting as many students and members of the Christopher Newport community as possible during open forums and casual conversations as the new academic year gets underway.
New gear alert
The Captains Locker is offering many new styles of spirit wear and gear. New ROTC-focused merchandise will also be included, as well as plenty of affordably priced CNU spirit wear. Swing by the store to see what’s new, and be sure to check out the online selection, which offers many more options in spirit wear and Captains merchandise. Bluebooks are now available for purchase at the Captains Locker, as well as at the Welcome Center at the DSU.
The Captains Locker will also offer new student-friendly hours for in-store shopping, opening Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.