September 9, 2026
This message is distributed to All Instructors, Academic Assistant Deans, and Academic Business Officers & ASC Directors. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)
The following is being sent on behalf of Andy Satomi, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Technology and Space Management
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Dear Instructors,
This message provides information about the Pre-Fall Open House and updates on classroom upgrades and new technologies for Fall quarter.
Pre-Fall Classroom Open House
To help you prepare for Fall Quarter, you are invited to our General Assignment Classrooms and Computer Labs Open House on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
All General Assignment classrooms and computer labs will be open for you to explore, test the A/V equipment, and get hands-on experience with the technology. This is an opportunity for both new and returning instructors to get familiar with classroom setups to ensure a smooth start to the quarter.
Our Academic Affairs IT (AAIT) Classroom A/V Services Team will be available throughout the Open House to answer any A/V questions and provide support.
For assistance during the Open House (or anytime you need assistance):
- Call: (805) 893-3549
- Visit: 1150 Kerr Hall
For classes in the Interactive Learning Pavilion (ILP):
- Call: (805) 893-6102
- Visit: ILP A/V Office, Room 3302
We encourage you to bring devices you will use in your classes (laptops, tablets, etc.) to your visit. If you can’t make it to the Open House, please review our instructional videos on lectern operations. If you have questions about your classroom, please email help@classrooms.ucsb.edu.
Visit the Campus Classrooms Website at: https://classrooms.ucsb.edu to find maps for specific campus classroom layouts, technology, and more.
What’s New for Fall Quarter
New Project-Based Learning Classroom - Phelps 1260
Phelps 1260 has been renovated as a Project-Based Learning (PBL) classroom for Fall Quarter. The new configuration replaces traditional fixed lecture seating with a more flexible environment designed to support active learning, group work, and interaction among students and instructors. Instructors assigned to Phelps 1260 are encouraged to visit the room during the Open House and become familiar with its new layout and technology. Additional information about PBL classrooms is available on the Project-Based Learning Classrooms page.
Phelps 1525 - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Lab
Phelps 1525 has been converted into a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Lab. Rather than a dedicated computer at each seat, each workstation now includes a monitor, keyboard, and mouse that connect to a student’s device through a single USB-C connection. This USB-C connection also provides charging.
Expanded Classroom Wireless Access
Wireless network upgrades continue across campus classrooms to improve connectivity, coverage, and capacity for instructors and students. These improvements support the growing use of cloud-based applications (e.g., PollEverywhere and iClicker), collaborative technologies, and student devices.
Expanded USB-C Connectivity and Charging
AAIT continues to expand USB-C connectivity in classrooms, making it easier to connect laptops and mobile devices directly to classroom A/V systems. In the coming months, USB-C connections will be upgraded to provide charging to compatible devices while they are connected.
Week 10 and Finals Week Study Space
To provide students with additional places to prepare for finals, instructional spaces will once again be made available for drop-in student study during Week 10 and Finals Week, when the rooms are not otherwise scheduled for classes. This will include:
20 classrooms in the Interactive Learning Pavilion (ILP)
19 classrooms in Girvetz Hall
Reminders for General Assignment Classrooms:
- Sign-In with Your UCSBnetID: Sign in to General Assignment classroom lectern computers using your UCSBnetID credentials. If you'd like to confirm that your account has these permissions to sign into the lectern computers, please reach out to help@classrooms.ucsb.edu or call (805) 893-3549.
- Keyless Operation: All A/V systems in General Assignment classrooms are now keyless. Classroom equipment will unlock 30 minutes before your scheduled class. Equipment in the rooms will lock 15 minutes after your class, unless previously arranged.
A Reminder for Computer Lab Software:
- Please remember that software installed in instructional computer labs may change from quarter to quarter based on course needs, licensing, compatibility, security requirements, and available versions. Instructors should not assume that software used in a previous quarter will automatically remain installed. Please confirm your software requirements each quarter, particularly when your course depends on a specific application or version. You can find a listing of the currently installed software packages here. Fall Software requests should be submitted by September 14th.
We encourage you to take advantage of the September 22 Pre-Fall Classroom Open House to visit your classroom or computer lab, test your equipment and devices, and make sure you are ready for the start of Fall Quarter.
Thank you, and we look forward to supporting you this fall.