The renovations of iconic Hewitt Hall, with an expected completion date of August 2025, will bring to life the values of SUNY Oswego’s School of Communication, Media and the Arts: innovation, inspiration and interdisciplinary collaboration. This $80 million project converts the historic former student union into a state-of-the-art media and visual arts center, creating an “arts corridor” between Tyler and Hewitt halls.
The exterior and grounds have been modernized and updated, including an outdoor extension of the ballroom on the south side opening into a courtyard, and outdoor seating around much of the building.
One distinguishing feature is a new skylight in the center, above what will be known as the “collaborative core.” Those entering Hewitt can expect to see a flurry of activity in this area as people move about the building, stop at the café for coffee or a snack or gather to study, socialize and recharge. Additional main-floor spaces include a podcast studio, newsroom and renovated ballroom.
The second floor includes faculty and staff offices, classrooms and team rooms, and sprawling design studios for art and design. Additional highlights include a prototyping room and an animation lab shared across SCMA majors.
The lower level is designed to meet all student production needs, with two broadcasting studios, multiple audio-focused spaces (like voiceover booths), a small soundstage, a virtual reality suite, editing labs, a whitebox gallery and a film screening room.
When Hewitt Hall re-opens for instruction, it will mark the completion of over $126 million in renovations for the School of Communication, Media and the Arts. The combination of these advanced facilities and Oswego’s world-class faculty has catapulted SCMA’s confidence to a new high with the expectation that graduates will leave campus with the career and leadership skills to transform their lives.
Videographer/editor: Jim Kearns
Scriptwriter/producer: Jennifer Knapp
Voiceover: Michael Riecke
Coordinating producer: Tim Nekritz