The three-story building, set to open by the end of the next academic year, is a transformational project that will drastically expand the teaching and learning experiences. Designed to maximize collaboration opportunities, The SITE encourages research and innovation among students, faculty and staff.

“The SITE is Quinnipiac’s new, cutting-edge academic building that stands at the intersection of science, innovation, technology and exploration,” said Provost Debra Liebowitz. “Nestled in the heart of the new South Quad, its architecture reflects a commitment to openness and connectivity.”

The SITE’s expansive glass facades welcome natural light and panoramic views of the Mount Carmel Campus and neighboring Sleeping Giant State Park, creating an environment that will inspire both intellect and imagination. It will sit between the new 417-bed residence hall and the new 79,000-square-foot School of Business. The new residence hall is scheduled to open in August 2024; The SITE and new School of Business are scheduled to open in May 2025.

Four technology and innovation spaces in The SITE will be dedicated to artificial and virtual reality, gaming and computing.

Students will also have the opportunity to work with their peers and faculty mentors in a greenhouse on the building’s top level that will serve as a living classroom to learn the effects of climate change on plant health, and to learn about the morphology, diversity and propagation of native plants.

“Collaborative spaces dedicated to the large health sciences and STEM community as a whole at Quinnipiac is definitely necessary and exciting,” said Madison Enos ’24, MS ’25. “As someone who is interested in doing research on campus and has participated in a few projects in the past, knowing that there will be larger spaces and more room for these projects is something I’m looking forward to.”

“It also opens the area for more research-based lab classes that are critical in the behavioral neuroscience major. Having collaborative spaces as well will be super important for STEM majors who have to work together on so many projects and presentations,” Enos said.

A versatile, 700-seat auditorium on the second floor of The SITE will be home to numerous university and community events. The retractable auditorium-style seats will allow the space to be used flexibly.

Six classrooms of varying sizes and 15 science-focused teaching labs filled with the latest technology will offer students new opportunities for active learning and engaging learning experiences.

“It’s wonderful that Quinnipiac is investing in updated and advanced facilities for current and future students and faculty,” said Sara Ketchale ’25. “It really goes to show how dedicated Quinnipiac is in investing in the future for its students and staff. I really think the new wet and dry labs will invigorate STEM students and faculty in their research and learning, and encourage more STEM majors to consider Quinnipiac for their education. As a biology major, I’m very excited to see how it comes out.”

In addition, there will be seven group workspaces, plus breakout zones and communal areas throughout the building to facilitate interactions among students and faculty and to provide places to be in between classes.

“What excites me about The SITE is truly everything that it offers,” said Livia Guzda ’27. “It is a great resource for every student on campus — from biology majors to environmental science majors to game design and development majors, and more. I am most looking forward to the group study spaces that I can go to with classmates, the student engagement and collaboration spaces, and the new research labs, which I could be a part of in the future."

This is a great new building for current Quinnipiac faculty and students, as well as future students, she added.

“The SITE not only symbolizes Quinnipiac’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, but also serves as a catalyst for cultivating the next generation of forward-thinking leaders and pioneers,” Liebowitz said.

Additionally, the Mount Carmel Campus offices of the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing will be housed at The SITE. The building accommodates additional faculty offices and career advising hubs. The primary, dedicated spaces for the deans of the School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing will remain on the North Haven Campus.

Surrounding The SITE will be landscaping as well as native plants and trees carefully designed to facilitate informal interaction, relaxation and fun on the South Quad. Each of the three buildings have also been designed to be LEED certified.

“As someone who focuses heavily on environmentally sustainability, it is very exciting that the surrounding ecosystem and its health was taken into consideration when designing the new building,” said Tim Hine ’26. “From gardens with native plants to lights that are meant to reduce light pollution, I think we are taking good steps toward creating a more sustainable campus."