Students will notice a change in their study spaces this semester as the Residence Life Department has installed Broad-Spectrum Lights in various locations throughout campus.

The installation of these new lights is part of Residence Life’s new “Lighten Up Initiative”  which is designed to help students study by giving them a properly lit area where they can work. Randy MacGeorge, Director of College Housing, says that the new lights are meant to give students a better place to study and make it easier for them to concentrate.

“Harvard studies show that Broad-Spectrum lights are better on student’s eyes while studying. Groups under Broad-Spectrum lighting experienced less stress compared to groups that worked under other lights,” said MacGeorge. 

Broad-Spectrum lighting was first introduced to Aquinas in 2005 when the new lights were installed in Regina and St. Joseph Halls, creating the popular ‘Light Rooms’ where many students enjoy studying.

Over the break Broad-Spectrum lighting fixtures were installed in the lounges of Dominican Hall, and Broad-Spectrum lamps were placed in Hruby Hall as well as the two Woodward Area Houses and the Gatehouse.

Representatives from Woodward and St. Joseph Residence Hall Councils have asked about acquiring more Broad-Spectrum lights for their respective areas.

In Dominican Hall students are enjoying the new lights as well. Sophomore and Dominican Hall resident David Payne thinks the lights were a smart move by the college, and will help students study.

“I like the lights, they definitely make the room brighter, make it easier to concentrate on what you are doing. It is easier to do homework and reading,” said Payne. “Definitely less strain on your eyes.”

Funding for the lights came from RHA, and was part of their budget at the beginning of the year so the students’ tuition cost or the Halls’ unallocated accounts are not affected by the installation of the lights. The new lights also align with Aquinas’ sustainability initiative as Randy MacGeorge says the lights are expected to last longer than normal bulbs. 

“The T-8 bulbs are more energy efficient as they are 32 watts vs. 34 watts,” MacGeorge said. “Not an immediate saving, but they are longer lasting, and that helps in terms of efficiency.”

In addition to being energy efficient, the Broad-Spectrum lights are better for determining color and radiate a clearer light in order for students to have an easier time reading and studying.

 “They are supposed to be really good, they are supposed to increase your productivity, and students will hopefully take advantage of that,” said Senior Dominican Hall Resident Assistant Danielle Brower.

With the expansion of the Broad-Spectrum lights across campus students will have more opportunities to use these new lights. Students will have more productive study hours while experiencing less strain on their eyes, and less headaches after late night cram sessions.