It’s 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Alexis Scott, assistant director of student diversity, is tying a sparkly ribbon into a bow at the entrance of the new Mosaic Lounge on the second floor of Schewel Hall.
“All my years of cheer practice are paying off,” she quips to the audience of students, faculty, and staff assembled behind her.
Inside the new space are three students: Christian Otero ’23, ’25 MEd, Josiah Randles ’25, and Shaw Hill Shah ’28. Shah relaxes on a beanbag chair, strumming a guitar. Randles and Otero stand behind the ribbon and chat with Scott as she puts the finishing touches on the monthslong project that has culminated in this moment.
Although Scott has been behind every step of the process — figuring out the budget, coordinating with student affinity groups, etc. — she says the project was student-led and part of a shared vision for an inclusive, welcoming space in Schewel Hall.
Otero says he has been using the space since long before it was dubbed the “Mosaic Lounge.” Previously, it was used for affinity group meetings, post-election check-ins, and game nights.
Otero is particularly excited about the new Nintendo Switch. He hopes it will help draw like-minded people. “It’s a place for all students to come,” he said.
Over the summer, the new Office of Belonging launched an initiative to understand the needs of students. This meant meeting with groups across campus and listening to their thoughts and concerns.
What did they expect from the University? What kind of atmosphere would attract them? Their response: comfort, hominess, and a place where they had final say over what went on.
The Mosaic Lounge emanates comfort. On the big screen, a digital fire crackles. Comfy-cozy furniture, built by the students themselves, outlines the space. Rainbow-colored balloons and streamers adorn the walls.
Everything seems to radiate the care and spirit that went into its creation. It’s a place where community can thrive.
“Community means being in a space where you feel like you belong,” Scott said. “And it can change the entire trajectory of your life.”
Now the moment has arrived when the Mosaic Lounge opens to the public. The students take their places next to Scott, while she, Chief of Staff and Organizational Strategy Daniel Hall, and Assistant Vice President of Belonging Nathan Albert deliver their opening remarks.
They acknowledge the need for a “third space,” which will act as “a cornerstone for the students’ experience.”
Time to cut the ribbon. One small problem: the scissors. They are tiny, compared to the bulky ribbon. Someone in the audience voices a doubt that they will be able to get the job done. But the organizers quickly find a solution. Instead of cutting, they will simply pull the ribbon apart. Together.
