introduction
Pace University was founded in 1906 and has locations in and around New York City and Westchester, New York. Pace is a nationally ranked university with seven schools and colleges that provide students with more than 50 cutting-edge centers, institutes, labs, and clinics. Over 14,000 graduate and undergraduate students attend Pace University annually, and all 50 states are represented in the student population.
the challenge
Pace University has been standardized on Crestron technology throughout their campuses but was looking to upgrade their offerings to further elevate the experience on campus to provide the best of the best for students and faculty. Pace is constantly evolving to stay on the pulse of what’s next while also ensuring their systems are intuitive for students and faculty.
the solution
George Chacko is senior director of academic and classroom technology at Pace. Chacko and the entire Information Technology Services (ITS) team had developed a technology standard across the different learning spaces with a consistent look-and-feel driven by a Crestron touch screen on the podium. No matter the learning space, faculty know what to expect when they enter a room and understand the resources available to them. With a consistent user interface in place, the ITS team has leveraged the DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology platform and Intelligent Video offerings from Crestron to evolve the technical capabilities across campus.
the technology
Faculty and staff recognize that each classroom has a certain level of technology, which means they know what to expect in each space and can plan their activities around it. Classroom capacities range from 30 to 120 people; each has a podium touch screen for controlling and managing in-room technology. From the Crestron touch screen, instructors can select their source whether that is their own laptop, the dedicated PC, or the board capture. Crestron AirMedia® wireless presentation systems offer another avenue for students and professors to share content easily.
Faculty can also leverage Crestron Flex for Zoom Rooms® video conferencing in these spaces when necessary for hybrid learning or bringing guest speakers into the lesson plan. Over 150 Crestron Flex systems have been implemented across campus to support this learning model. The UC platform has been essential for effortlessly connecting in-person and virtual participants, ensuring classes and meetings can continue without disruption.
As part of their mission to evolve, Chacko and the ITS team recently introduced Crestron 1 Beyond cameras in their study rooms and classrooms to improve the learning experience. Some faculty teach remotely from one campus but have students attend class together and in person from another campus. In these lecture halls, the Crestron 1 Beyond cameras help capture the experiences of the students so that the professor can properly engage with the group, regardless of the physical distance between them. The 1 Beyond intelligent video solutions are also leveraged in divisible training and event spaces which makes it possible to broadcast events and presentations as they occur.
Pace University recognized the need for a substantial investment in its learning spaces, which would not only provide a one-time benefit but would also be refreshed regularly and grow as students' learning styles evolved. Crestron technology was able to help bridge the gap between students, faculty, and hybrid learning. Pace implemented Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology as a scalable and reliable solution that could be implemented across all of their campus locations in large classroom and event spaces. Crestron DM NVX technology powers digital signage displays, updated frequently with the latest campus announcements to keep students and faculty informed.
the results
With Crestron technology in place, there is no downtime when teaching starts. The faculty and staff love having a standardized approach to the technology on campus, especially as they juggle teaching from different locations throughout the week. Pace University has put in ample effort to create an environment where all students and professionals can feel they are getting the best experience with leading-edge technology that supports their day-to-day learning.
