Students try to choose classes at convenient times with solid professors when registering. However, the classroom seems to be an underrated factor. The two main class buildings on campus are the John H. Sykes College of Business and Plant Hall.
While both buildings have their pros and cons, students are often restricted to having a majority of their classes in one building or the other, depending to their major. Sykes College of Business is, obviously, generally used by business majors, while Plant Hall provides a home for the remaining scrubs who went against the grain and chose to major in a different field (myself included).
Each building has it pros and cons. For instance, class in Plant Hall is notorious for being dreadful during this time of year. As the temperature rises, the ancient air conditioners often fail to keep the pace. Coupled with small, overcrowded classrooms, students may find themselves battling with body heat to remain focused.On the other hand, business students may not have much to envy. While being in the more modern building has its perks, its arctic climate is far from desirable.
Business majors will often be found bundled in hoodies during the month of May in attempt to counter the frigid climate of Sykes, despite the 90 degree weather outside. Aside from temperatures, though, each building has its distinguishing features. While Sykes boasts its beautiful architecture and modern technology, Plant is known for its stench. The smell of Plant Hall is difficult to capture in words. My initial description would be a cross between mold, urine and asbestos.
Fortunately, I have grown accustomed to the smell, as I am in the building nearly every day. For a fresh perspective, marketing major Eric Zeltner offered his opinion: “When walking into Plant hall, I close my eyes and take a minute to thank the Lord that I am a business major. The smell makes me wonder if someone hid a piece of moldy cheese in the floorboards while building it. If I know I’m going to Plant Hall, I make sure to bring a stick of deodorant and cologne to prepare myself for the stink.”
While Sykes classrooms contain the latest amenities, including stadium-style seating and whiteboards, Plant offers folding mini desks and old school blackboards with chalk.While it may seem like Sykes has the upper hand, Plant resembles an historic learning environment.
Not many are fortunate enough to study in a building that still has cobwebs from the 19th century. On a serious note, Plant hall may not be as appealing as Sykes, but its historical significance does provide it with some intrigue: the minarets of Plant Hall are the icon of the school itself. Moral of the story, you might want to review your schedule for next semester. Look for the JS and PH acronyms and act according to the best learning environment for you.
Gregory J. Paladino can be reached at gpaladino@spartans.ut.edu.