Securing a study space at Florida State University’s Robert Manning Strozier Library during final exam preparations can be challenging due to the influx of students studying, tutoring, reading or relaxing. Late arrivals often face difficulty in finding seating, which contributes to exam-related stress.

To alleviate this issue, University Libraries and Information Technology Services (ITS) at FSU have introduced Occuspace, a real-time occupancy information report for each level, accessible through the myFSU mobile application.

“By using innovative technology like Occuspace, we are not just addressing a logistical challenge, but we are also significantly enhancing the overall student experience during one of the most stressful times of their academic journey,” said Asia McMahon, application developer for myFSU mobile. “This initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging technology to create a more supportive and efficient learning environment for our students.”

Occuspace screens show real-time seating capacity reports for each library floor, ranging from “low” to “very high.” Sensors detect devices connected to FSU Wi-Fi, like smartphones or laptops, to estimate the number of people on any floor.

“The library acquired Occuspace to address the long-standing issue of students struggling to find a seat in Strozier Library,” said Kirsten Kinsley, assessment librarian. “For years, we’ve heard students’ frustration as they searched floor by floor without success.”

Students can monitor Strozier Library’s capacity using the myFSU mobile application. To access this feature, select “Strozier Live Count” from the icons at the top. If the icon is not visible, make sure that your profile is set to “student.” The app provides information on current capacity, peak hours, next-hour capacity estimates and comparisons to the previous week.

To download the myFSU Mobile application visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

No personally identifiable information is collected or otherwise archived in this process. Occuspace fully complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

For more information on Occuspace’s privacy policy, visit occuspace.io/public/assets/occuPrivacyPolicy.pdf.

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Nestled within Florida State University’s Dirac Library is a resource that has been a game-changer for FSU’s brightest minds over the past decade.

FSU Libraries’ Global Educational Outreach in Science, Engineering and Technology (GEOSET) Studios is celebrating 10 years in Dirac Library. Its mission is to help FSU researchers, students and faculty communicate their findings through free multimedia services such as video development, research and grant supplements, a full-service production studio and more.

“It’s very important for students nowadays to have access to media resources like this,” said Kyle Wilson, FSU Libraries Digital Media and GEOSET Manager. “Whether it’s a video submission for a grant or scholarship, or even a job interview, mastering these techniques is crucial. Learning and applying them throughout their careers, well beyond FSU, is integral to their long-term success.”

Through it’s work, the studio hopes to assist in the development of the newest generation of scholars who support and contribute to scientific research.

Originally funded by a Microsoft Research Grant, GEOSET transformed a print room into a media studio, formally opened in 2014 with the help of Bill Nye (the Science Guy). Founded by FSU chemistry faculty member and Nobel Laureate Sir Harold Kroto in 2006, GEOSET aims to promote open communication between scientists and the public. It now features a full production studio, a self-service media suite, on-location recording and streaming, and creative media consultation.

Throughout GEOSET history, the studio has been a gathering place for scientists and researchers, united by their shared goal of sharing their work with the world.

“I have used GEOSET and its studio for an impressive variety of projects,” said FSU Provost Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Geography Chris Omni, Ph.D.

“Some of these projects have included being interviewed for the PEN & Inc. Fellows program, capturing my 2nd-place victory during the 5MR (5-Minute Thesis) competition, recording my TEDx FSU talk, covering my presentation during the Open Scholars Forum, capturing footage and audio of my UROP research mentees, and most recently, professional development related to starting a podcast to support my current research study,” she said.

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Florida State University students will have more opportunities to take advantage of high-quality tutoring for some of their most challenging courses, thanks to a gift that boosts resources for these services to meet students where they are. 

With a gift from the Fogg Charitable Trust, the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) — which serves as FSU’s center for tutoring and study skills resources — will expand its operations to Strozier Library. Stozier already offers tutors for students, but the gift will increase availability and allow ACE to offer its services as the university experts in tutoring. 

Drop-in tutoring for physics, chemistry, math and statistics will now be available in Strozier from 7-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. 

“We used the Strozier Library swipe-in data to determine when the most popular times were for tutoring, and we’ve devised a schedule accordingly,” said Holly Hunt, director of ACE. “Aligning tutoring at Strozier with ACE will bring more efficiency, greater access to qualified tutors and a strengthened relationship between two places on campus where students can find essential academic support.” 

ACE tutoring is led by peer tutors — undergraduates who have already succeeded in the courses and are chosen for their knowledge and ability to explain complicated subject matter.  

“I think a lot of people struggle with chemistry because they try to memorize the facts instead of understanding why certain things happen,” said biochemistry major Lorien Collins, who tutors multiple chemistry courses. “When I can help students understand these connections, it makes the subject less intimidating.” 

ACE serves about 13,000 students per year through its peer tutoring services, study skills workshops, student success courses, one-on-one tutoring and more.  

“Going to tutoring not only increased my confidence with math, it also helped me to have fun and not be scared of trying hard things,” said biological science major Alani Boniface. “The tutors are so supportive, and I started looking forward to doing my work.” 

The Fogg Charitable Trust is active in the Southeast and is dedicated to supporting efforts and communities that the late Ed and Lisbeth Fogg contributed to. The Foggs were the developers and managers of Farm Stores, a convenience store that specializes in its own brand of milk, bread and ice cream, and created multiple other business and philanthropic ventures.  

“Our support not only helps the students seeking assistance, but also the tutors who work to provide educational support,” said Todd Clark, a representative from the Fogg Charitable Trust. “The Fogg Charitable Trust has supported this work because it helps students, it helps tutors and it helps FSU Libraries become the go-to place on campus for learning and resources.” 

For more information, visit ace.fsu.edu and lib.fsu.edu.

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