This week, students at Mountain View College (MVC) in Dallas will head back to campus for the fall semester. Among their first stops will be the Student Center and Services Building, a welcoming, two-story building with an iconic tower visible throughout the campus and from nearby roadways.

Designing this gateway building was a rewarding process in many ways. Administrators sought a structure that would help create a strong identity for the campus, while also serving as an inviting and comfortable gathering spot for students. But the building’s program and day-to-day functionality were equally important. MVC needed a student center that would not only support a broad range of administrative and student services, but one that would ultimately help transform its student development functions.

The design of the MVC Student Center and Services Building was based heavily on the input of the college’s Transformation Committee, which had been formed to focus on ways to improve student services. The committee recommended an administrative reorganization in order to become more student-centered and efficient. The reorganization included a realignment of roles and responsibilities, leading to the appointment of a new vice president of student services and enrollment management, an executive dean of enrollment management, and a dean of student success.

This thoughtful process continued through the building design. In order to help with this transformation and the implementation of a new organizational model, the building was designed to accommodate two clusters—one for enrollment management and one for student success—along with a student center.

What does this mean for the students?

• A more streamlined and self-directed process for enrollment and registration.
• Easier access to testing and assessment services.
• More cohesive and integrated programs in career and counseling services.
• A dynamic, centralized hub of spaces for students including a fitness center, health center, bookstore, and food services.
• Students benefit from greater administrative collaboration, better coordination, more attention to their needs, and a lot less time roaming about the campus to address administrative issues or seek essential services.

One of MVC’s goals was to create a building that would inspire students and motivate them as they pursue their higher education. As the architectural team for this important facility, we found that we were inspired and educated as well—by a client with clear objectives and a commitment to work closely with us throughout the design. As a result, the new Student Center and Services Building is helping to fulfill MVC’s long-term vision for supporting student development.