North Miami lab simulates boutique hotel
Johnson & Wales has always focused on real-world learning – professors with industry experience, classroom speakers who offer first-hand knowledge, internships and jobs upon graduation. Now, the North Miami Campus has taken another step to infuse this approach into the curriculum by converting a classroom into a mock hotel lobby.
At the beginning of the academic year, Dean of Academic Affairs Michelle Garcia personally oversaw the project, ensuring that the new design would serve as a convincing hotel lobby while adding functional options to the space. “The modular seating and desks – shaped like pie wedges – allow for a variety of arrangements, which is great for breakout conversations. The drapes, lighting, throw rugs and paint choices reflect a mid-century/modern aesthetic, which the kids just love; we’ve renamed it the JWU Boutique Hotel.”
Hospitality students use the lab to practice the skills and responsibilities that exist in an actual hotel. They go through the check in process, assign rooms using special software, and rehearse all aspects of customer service.
“It’s a really great opportunity for real-world experience right there in the classroom,” Garcia said. “Things that are happening in your textbooks can come to life right there in the room.”
JWU Boutique Hotel is a prime example of the university’s commitment to alternative learning spaces, whose non-traditional setup creates an atmosphere that stimulates creative thinking. "Student feedback has been positive,” Garcia said. “It helps them to learn differently; it also forces the faculty to teach differently. It really pushes critical and creative thinking – it inspires conversation, debate, brainstorming. Lots of integrated learning, and students are engaged in their learning.”