The Daily Orange

Media Credit: Blair Dudik

When staring down at a PSY 205 textbook, it's hard to imagine that James Taylor once performed in the space where a semi-conscious student's drool now obscures explanations of Pavlov's theory.

PlayStation consoles have been swapped for PC workstations. Poetry readings make way for required readings. And freshly brewed pots of coffee have been swapped for…vending machines filled with tuna fish cans and whole-wheat sandwiches.

In the place of the Jabberwocky café - a lounge originally designed for students to relax amongst a backdrop of live music, games and student events - stands a new campus study space. Granted, studying never looked so good in the freshly furnished lounge, but the absence of the Jabberwocky in its café setting marks the end of what was meant to be a campus coffee shop.

"People from Campus Planning, Design, and Construction, Office of Residence Life and Information Technology Services…met and developed the objectives of upgrading these spaces to make them more effective study spaces," said Eric Beattie, director of campus planning, design and construction.

Schine Student Center has even put up a sign labeling the Ludwig Lounge next to Jabberwocky as simply another computer cluster. "I didn't know this room even existed," said Joe Farina, a junior accounting major, "I just saw the sign."

Jabberwocky's new function as an academic workspace is a far cry from its previous incarnations throughout the past 40 years. It originally lived under Kimmel Hall, providing a venue where students could mingle and hear local musicians perform.

After an extended hiatus, Jabberwocky made its second debut in 2003. It moved under Schine, and served as a performance space where students could meet on-campus to grab a cup of coffee. It also doubled as a room for students to perform for their peers, relax, or even play video games.

"It's constantly improved over the years," said Wyan Smith, a senior finance and accounting major.

Beattie said that Student Association President Larry Seivert and Helene Kahn, also in SA, saw a different purpose for Jabberwocky and Ludwig.

"…Seivert and…Kahn made a proposal to create this new study space to help students that cannot find a place to study in their residence halls," Beattie said. "The Jabberwocky received more power, study furnishings and better lighting to improve conditions for studying."

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