University Opens Florida Tech Commons, Center for Student Success

admin July 24, 2012

Students Urged to Cross Safely at Busy Babcock Intersection

MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology recently opened its new Florida Tech Commons building at the intersection of University Boulevard and Babcock Street. The three-story, 63,000-square foot facility is designed as the new “front door” to campus.

“The first floor features our Center for Student Success, a gateway for a variety of student services, from the Registrar’s Office to Admissions,” said Anthony J. Catanese, president and chief executive officer. “This is also the new starting point for prospective students to get their first look at Florida Tech, and a convenient, central location for current students to handle routine student service matters.”

In addition to the first floor Center for Student Success, the building also houses the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts on the second floor. The third floor features areas including the Women’s Business Center, Continuing Education, Career Services and International Student and Scholar Services.

Meanwhile, given the building’s location across busy Babcock Street, university staff have been working for months to proactively address pedestrian safety concerns.

“We want everyone to be safe,” said T. Dwayne McCay, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Extra vigilance on the part of anyone crossing that intersection will be critical. Motorists should also use extreme care.”

Other safety steps that the university is pursuing:

Working with the City of Melbourne and the Florida Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit

Adding all-way red light for pedestrian-only traffic at high traffic times of day

Installing stamped asphalt over entire intersection to slow traffic from all directions

“We need the City of Melbourne’s help and the state’s cooperation to make these important safety adjustments,” McCay said. “Safety remains the university’s paramount concern.”