After undergoing a major renovation during the 2020 summer break, the building that formerly housed the Charles F. Dolan School of Business officially reopened this past fall as the new home of the College of Arts and Science’s expanding programs in communications, digital journalism, sports media, and media arts. It is also the new headquarters of the Marketing and Communication Division’s media production team.
Designed by Newman Architects of New Haven, Conn. and constructed by Caldwell & Walsh, the new 18,000-square-foot Media Center boasts substantially more space than the facility's previous location in Fairfield College Preparatory School’s Xavier Hall, and offers new and exciting hands-on production experiences for the College’s communication and media studies students.
The Media Center's west wing is outfitted with two new studios: one with a brand-new LED production lighting system, lighting control booth, and production control booth, and another that will serve as a podcast and webinar room with a state-of-the-art lighting system. The facility also houses an editing room, a video production and screening room, and six faculty offices. Other notable features include computer bays equipped with software for animation and graphic design, as well as separate suites for film coloring and editing, and an equipment storage and sign-out area for students to check out camera and audio gear.
According to Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Richard Greenwald, PhD, having a dedicated Media Center for students to practice what they learn in the classroom will elevate the credibility that the College has earned for its nationally ranked communication and media programs.