Facilities
Technology is at the center of facilities at the Chaplin School. Classrooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment that enable faculty to reach students in meaningful ways whether they are a few feet from the lectern or on the other side of the world. With an expansion philosophy that inspires student innovation, the Chaplin School has grown rapidly within the past decade to provide students with relevant skills and knowledge to achieve success.
Technology in the classroom
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management employs the most advanced and innovative instructional technology.
Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory
This fully-operational restaurant serves as an on-site laboratory in which students can get the experience of operating a restaurant without having to leave campus. The Advanced Food Laboratory and the Mel Dick Wine Tower provide students with dedicated spaces to practice their skills in the areas of food and beverage management. Technology is integrated seamlessly through the use of cutting-edge tools that provide guests and students with an experience that can be found in highly-rated commercial restaurants. These tools include:
- High-definition cameras and televisions
- Blu-ray players
- iPod and iPads units and docks
- Interactive podium
- Interactive control touch panels
- Cable television service
- The ability to capture and stream events
- Front and back-of-the-house point of Sale terminals
- Table management terminal connected via Touchscreen MacMini system
- Back-of-house Kitchen Display Systems connected to 2 32” LED displays
- iPod Touch Point-of-Sale terminals for table attendant use
- Mac Mini’s to provide additional support for the backend system
While primarily a classroom, the facility is also available as a venue for special events. To inquire about services that are available to the public, please call 305.919.4526.
Badia Spices Food Production Laboratory
With more experience, students are able to move on to the Badia Spices Food Production Laboratory, which services the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory. Fully wired, this advanced prep facility utilizes tablet technology in its operations and gives students hands-on management experiences with Dining Events, hosted by the Chaplin School.
Interactive Modular Classrooms
Interactive technology for the classroom is one of the fastest growing segments in education, and offers tremendous potential for improving the learning process. Educators may or may not know that the technology currently exists to allow them to annotate and interact with the material they present in the classroom.
The classrooms are designed in such a way to re-engage students in the learning process. To start, the pedagogical methodology moves away from the traditional lecture style in the classroom and moves toward a student centric and interactive approach. Student collaborations and teamwork are encouraged to serve as a constructivist model in sharing, understanding and demonstrating ideas, concepts and knowledge. Abundant media technology in the studio classroom places the student in an environment that is connected with a net generation value structure where multimedia, online communication and peer group interactivity carry profound importance.
Since the launch of the new interactive room, we have seen an increase in student participation domestically and internationally. The room has allowed us to bridge the communication gap between our Miami and China campuses.
Culinary Demonstration Laboratory
In the demonstration lab, students can get up close, without even leaving their seats. High-definition display monitors, interactive control touch panels, and professional studio lighting puts the spotlight on culinary management techniques in the space.
Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center
Designed specifically for wine tastings, the J. W. Weiss Wine Laboratory in the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center is an ideal environment for the examination and sensory appreciation of wine. The seminar-style classroom is also used regularly by the Institute for Hospitality & Tourism Education & Research (IHTER) for their wine courses.
Mel Dick Wine Tower
Standing tall inside the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory, the wine tower provides students and faculty with an above-ground wine cellar for the School’s wine collection. The circular space is enough for any wine professional in training to hone their talents in beverage management.
Brew Science Laboratory
Learn how to brew your very own brew in a lab dedicated to beer. Students work alongside faculty to explore the science of brewing and get a deeper appreciation of the beverage.
Carnival Student Center
Play pool, watch television, work on an assignment, or just lounge in between classes in the Carnival Student Center. Conveniently located next to the advising corridor, this space looks out onto the School’s patio area, which abuts Biscayne Bay. In addition to the view, students also enjoy kitchen facilities, desktop computer access, printing capabilities, cable television and visits from special guests.
Quirch Food Hubs
Located in the hear of the Chaplin School as an offset space in between the Culinary Demo Lab and the Badia Spices Food Production Lab that provides a comfortable environment for students to be able to interact with each other, sit down for a meal they prepared themselves, or just hang out in between classes.
Career Closet
The Career Closet at the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Career Development Program was established in spring 2018, thanks to the generosity of Lani Kane-Hanan ’87 MS ’04. Lani is Executive Vice President, Resort Development, Revenue & Inventory Management and Product Innovation at Marriott Vacations Worldwide and currently serves as chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Chaplin School. FIU hospitality students are able to utilize this closet in preparation for interviews or important meetings when they cannot find a professional outfit to wear. The closet is stocked with professional clothing for men and woman in all sizes and students may take one outfit per academic year free of charge. Other wording: “The Career Closet is a resource of upscale, new, or gently used business casual and business professional attire donated by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the school.
Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center
With 31,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, private conference rooms, and a grand ballroom with unobstructed waterfront views, the Kovens Conference Center is an ideal location for groups looking for something different on the inside and something unique on the outside.
Inside
- Advanced audio/visual technology
- On-site technicians
- Conference service managers
- Full-service, on-site gourmet food and beverage services without a minimum order requirement
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Outside
- 10,000 square foot outdoor terrace with 180-degree view of pristine Biscayne Bay
- Ground-level, outdoor open space by the water
- Team-building program
- Located in the Aventura area with easy access to Miami and Fort Lauderdale International airports
- Free parking
To learn more about services at the Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center, visit their website at kovens.fiu.edu or call 305.919.5000.
