Pratt Institute: A History of Student Union and Its Services
Pratt Institute, a 131-year-old college in Brooklyn, New York, has a rich history intertwined with student activism and a commitment to providing comprehensive services. From its founding in 1887, Pratt has evolved to meet the changing needs of its diverse student body. This article explores the history of student representation, the evolution of the Student Union, and the services offered to students.
The Genesis of Student Representation: From Faculty Council to Academic Senate
The seeds of student representation at Pratt Institute were sown with the establishment of a Faculty Council around 1948. This council, composed of representatives from various departments, addressed topics previously discussed at general faculty meetings. It also reviewed enrollment, financial, and strategic plans, as well as policies related to academic freedom, tenure, and dismissal.
In the spring of 1991, the Faculty Council drafted bylaws establishing an Academic Senate. The bylaws were adopted unanimously on April 23, 1991, and approved by the Board on May 14, 1991. Under its original bylaws, the Senate included proportional representation for full-time faculty, part-time faculty, and graduate and undergraduate chairs within each school.
In 2016, the Senate was convened under new bylaws that provided representation for each academic department as well as each constituent group: full-time faculty, part-time faculty, chairpersons, and staff. The chairs category was also expanded to include assistant chairpersons and equivalent positions, such as academic coordinators. Among the major activities of the past several Senate terms are revisions to the Faculty Handbook in 2022 and establishment of the Institute’s first Curriculum Review Policy and Academic Assessment Policy (in development).
The Student Union: A Central Hub for Student Life
The Student Union building, originally constructed in 1887, has long been a focal point of student life at Pratt. Designed by architect William Tubby, it was initially built as the Trade School building but was soon remodeled into the Student Union, complete with a gymnasium and swimming pool. In 1982, the building underwent another renovation to modernize its facilities.
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However, by the start of the 21st century, the Student Union had fallen into disrepair, and its spaces were no longer relevant for an arts institution. The space included an abandoned pool and remnants of locker rooms. In response, Matiz Architecture & Design (MAD) was commissioned to renovate the historic structure.
The renovated Student Union now features three interconnected levels of open areas, encouraging students to use the building as a key circulation element, centralized in the campus. The main entrance is re-introduced at one of the building’s original masonry openings, which encourages students to view the activities within from the elevated vantage point of the street. Upon entering the reception area, the first of three strategically placed plaster walls directs the visitor into the main space. A large stepped platform acts as a piazza within the main volume, providing circulation to the mezzanine above as well as seating on and below. Throughout the Student Union, meeting and lounge spaces are provided for a variety of different formal and informal activities. Open lounge areas are distributed throughout, enclosed meeting rooms ring the perimeter, and a video room is tucked away below the reception platform (in the space formerly occupied by a swimming pool).
MAD was careful to incorporate historic elements into the modern design. One of these nods to the past is the use of salvaged heavy timber in elements such as the reception desk and the perimeter portal openings, affording durable materials at high traffic locations. In addition to the architectural re-design, the renovation includes full upgrades to all building systems. The multifunctional space is equipped to handle large events such as lectures, concerts, and evening galas as well as the day-to-day traffic, lounge functions, and meetings.
The MAD team worked in conjunction with the institute and the student representatives to craft a space that would serve this vibrant and diverse student body effectively and exuberantly. In addition to the coordination between MAD and Pratt during the architectural design, the final graphic installations were also a result of a collaboration between MAD Studio and Pratt students.
Student Activism: A Driving Force for Change
Student activism has played a significant role in shaping Pratt Institute's history and culture. In the early 1970s, student activists from the Black Student Union (BSU) demanded that the Pratt administration diversify the student body and teaching force, revamp the curriculum through Black and Latin American Studies, and open up the campus to Central Brooklyn’s communities through summer youth programs.
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These demands led to the creation of summer youth programs, spearheaded by Horace Williams, an alumnus and Pratt staff member who later became Pratt’s first African American Vice-President. Williams worked with Marc Weinstein, a freelance photographer, to document these programs.
The Preserving Activism project, initiated in 2019, seeks to uncover and preserve the untold stories of activism at Pratt. The project has involved multidisciplinary graduate courses, exhibitions, and collaborations with community partners.
Services Offered to Students
Pratt Institute offers a wide range of services to support its students' academic, personal, and professional development. These services include:
- Career Services: Provides career counseling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.
- Student Activities: Organizes events and activities to enhance student life and foster a sense of community.
- International Student Affairs: Offers support and resources to international students.
- Pratt Chapel: Provides a space for spiritual reflection and religious services.
A Commitment to Community Engagement
Pratt Institute has a long-standing commitment to community engagement. The Pratt Center for Community Development, founded in 1963, supports community-based planning in New York City. In 1999, Pratt led the formation of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP), which has been a linchpin of community-building efforts spanning commerce and culture.
Pratt Institute Today
Today, Pratt Institute is a leading art and design college with a diverse student body and a strong commitment to academic excellence, student life, and community engagement. The institute continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its students and the world around it.
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