Leaving the Noyce Science Center and heading south, the tour continues toward a modernistic building that is often called the "College's living room." The Forum is a structure designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. Completed in 1964, this International Style building shows the Bauhaus influence in its use of concrete, steel, wood, and glass in a strongly integrated design. To accommodate the multiple functions of the Forum, the building has seven levels, although from the outside it looks like a single-story structure.
There is a large room on either end of the Forum: South Lounge, which is used for recitals, lectures, and panel discussions, and North Lounge, which provides a flexible space for recreational and other activities. Additional facilities in the Forum are a central snack area (The Grill), a coffeehouse, private dining rooms, a games room, and an art gallery. The building also houses the Office of Student Affairs, Student Activities Office, and Student Government Association, and there is an information desk for the convenience of campus members and visitors. Ramps are provided on the west side of the building to facilitate access by people with disabilities.

The Forum is the "living room" of the campus, serving as a social, cultural, and recreational center. It was designed as an "educational" building, positively extending and reinforcing what goes on in the classroom. A prime consideration was to design a place that would be especially hospitable to conversation both among students and between students and faculty and staff. Together with the Harris Center, the two facilities provide a comprehensive center of activities for the entire campus community.

Program Description

South Lounge

The lounge is a place for conversation, reading, or campus watching. Seating 125, this area can accommmodate coffee hours, receptions, symposia, lectures, and musical performances. Piano, lectern, and public address system with four-mike input, are available. Call the Office of Communication and Events at ext. 3178 to reserve rooms in the Forum.

North Lounge

North Lounge, with seating for 100, is used for large-screen video viewing and special events. On the east terrace is a color television area and another television lounge adjacent to North Lounge. A lectern and public address system is available. Films are also shown in the Harris Center.

Coffeehouse

The coffeehouse is used for informal discussions, meetings, and receptions, and is often the location of student organization meetings.

Game Room

This area has two slate-bedded billiard tables, a foosball table, and several pinball and video machines.

Grill

One of the most popular areas in the Forum, the Grill offers short orders, deli sandwiches, pizza, salads, and fountain items. The Grill may not be reserved.

Terrace Gallery

Student art exhibitions are on display thoughout the academic year in this gallery. The scheduling of student shows is arranged by the Student Art Committee.

Private Dining Rooms (PDRs)

Any student, faculty, or staff group--either organizational or social--may reserve the private dining rooms for lunch, dinner, meetings, or conferences. Fully equipped kitchens adjacent to the PDRs are available for use.

Student Affairs Office

The offices of the dean and associate deans are located in the north office area of the lower level. The offices of academic advising, multicultural affairs, international student services, housing, and student activities also are located in this area.

Student Organizations Offices

The offices of International Student Organization (ISO), Student Organization for Latinas/os (SOL), Concerned Black Students (CBS), and Asian Students in Alliance (ASIA) are located on the lower level of the Forum.

Student Government Association Offices

The SGA offices are located in the center office area on the lower level of the Forum in Room 127.

NOTE: All events on the upper level of the Forum are open to the entire campus community. The Forum office, located on the lower level of the building, is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m.to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Forum is open each day until midnight.