UGA SPACES: The Social Heart of Campus
For us, the story lies in how students feel about the campus, in how they use campus spaces, and in whether or not these functions as they are intended.
Our team conducted observations, interviews, and extended research on the areas in and surrounding the Tate Student Center. What we found was that while some individuals do think of Tate as “welcoming and inclusive,” many other students feel quite the opposite. One of the key observations we made during our research is the presence of an in-group/out-group dynamic. We found that perceptions of Tate vary significantly between students - depending on the types of activities and organizations, if any, a student is involved in, or by certain aspects of their identity.
We aim to present the diverse stories of Tate Student Center and Tate Plaza as we observed them and showcase how UGA students see and experience Tate, through this in-group/out-group dynamic.