The spring semester has brought many changes to Biola’s campus, notably the closure of the Makerspace and Virtual Reality Lab. The news was announced through a weekly Student Life newsletter released on Nov. 20, citing a realignment of resources.
“Due to financial redirections we will be closing our doors on December 11,” Biola’s Student Government Association shared in an Instagram post. “We know many students are discontent with this decision and we are really sad to see it go.”
SGA created a petition linked to the video to hear student feedback and attempt to save the Makerspace from closing.
THE HISTORY OF THE MAKERSPACE AND VR LAB
The Makerspace and VR Lab first opened its doors in Nov. 2021 and has been housed in Biola’s Library. Students often flocked to the Makerspace for class projects or just for fun. The Makerspace offered free creative resources to students such as sewing machines, 3D printers and more.
“From prototypes for business ventures to fashion accessories to wall art for classrooms or dorm rooms, this haven for artistic expression offers its visitors the space to unlock their creativity and bring imagination to realization,” said Nicole Perez in an article for Biola Magazine about the Makerspace when it opened in 2021.
The Makerspace became a popular destination for students after it opened. The news of its closure caused a lot of chatter between students over their thoughts about the space. Posters began to appear around campus with links to SGA’s petition to spread awareness. There has been no news about the results of the petition.
“I think it’s sad they’re closing it. I’ve only used it once, but I know it’s a really cool place to make your creative ideas come to life. Even though I didn’t use it really, it was nice to know I had access to it,” said Tawny Greene, a freshman directing for film and television major.
Lindsey Leigh Harper, a sophomore writing for film and television major, was devastated to hear the news about the Makerspace closing.
“While I respect the fact that Biola wants to keep tuition affordable, this is the wrong thing to cut,” she said. “Coming into the Makerspace was like walking up to a warm fire on a cold day. I was always welcomed with a smile, and I enjoyed learning from kind and gentle teachers. It inspired the creativity of so many of us! Having a place to make ideas become realities or explore artistic vision is just so ‘Biola’ and seeing it close is just tragic.”
The doors officially closed on Dec. 11, 2023. It has not yet been announced what the space will become in the future
