Students seeking a quiet place to study inside the Student Union now have a new, accessible option.
New private learning pods have been installed inside the Student Union, designed to block out the noise and distractions of public spaces. Shelly Bayer, director of multicultural affairs for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility, said the space provides a low-stimulation environment to focus while staying within the Union.
“SDSU cares about student wellbeing and diverse learning needs,” Bayer said, “and the addition of the new pods is another demonstration of that dedication.”
The initiative was entirely funded by donors Paul and Maria Wintrode, meaning no student fees were used for the project.
While the pods are available for all students, the project is rooted in a mission to support neurodiversity on campus. Kenna Melville, director of the Lucas P. Wintrode Center for Autism Support, said Paul and Maria are invested in the experiences of autistic students on campus.
“They want to demonstrate that autistic students belong here and are supported at SDSU,” Melville said. “The pods are small tokens to ensure that message echos throughout campus.”
Students can find the three new learning pods in two locations within the Union.
A larger, double-occupancy, and wheelchair-accessible pod is located on the main floor, on the west side, near the entrance. Two additional single-person pods are available upstairs in the Crazy Horse Lounge.
The pods operate on a first-come, first-served basis with several guidelines that, according to Mark Venhuizen, director of Student Union Operations and Event Services, are set to be posted on the pods soon.
The pods are also equipped with modern amenities, including a ventilation system, user-adjustable lighting and multiple power outlets. While not fully soundproof, the pods provide noise reduction, allowing students to focus on their work.
The current pods in the Union are just the beginning of what officials hope will be a campus-wide initiative.
Plans are already in motion to add more pods based on the reception of the first three, according to Evan Ortlieb, dean of the College of Education and Human Services.
“Based on usage rates, we hope to purchase three more and strategically place those in other locations on campus in a year or so,” Ortlieb said.
Venhuizen said officials are monitoring the program’s early stages, noting that the pods have already been used since their installation.
“Any feedback we receive will help us better manage the pods we have and could potentially lead to additional pods in spaces across campus,” Venhuizen said.
While the Wintrode family’s donation was inspired by the need to support neurodiverse students, Melville said the pods are a universal resource intended for the entire campus community.
“We hope all students find the pods comforting and useful,” she said. “Being in the pod does not mean a student is on the spectrum, it just means they find it helpful to focus or recharge.”
As the university observes how these pods are used, the focus remains on enhancing the overall student experience.
“We look forward to tracking their usage and learning from their users how they are enhancing their learning and experience here,” Bayer said.
