By Chris Cunningham
The Scene staff
Construction in the Forest Park Student Center is coming to an end, and by the beginning of spring semester it will be completely revamped.
But some changes happening sooner than that. The student lobby is now open, which consists of Campus Life and Student Government Offices, The Highlander Lounge and office admissions.
“We are excited to see student reactions,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Walker.
The Student Center construction has consisted of three parts.
The first was the reconstruction of the hallways in the first floor of the student center. This area was previously home to Student Government, Campus Life, The Scene and the cashier’s office.
The bookstore, financial aid office and the cashier’s office are now in these areas.
“As far as size is concerned, it definitely created lines the first week of classes,” said Julia Hoffman, course materials coordinator at the bookstore about the smaller size of the new bookstore.
“Otherwise, we are managing just fine. We aren’t carrying as much fun merchandise. Now we mostly carry supplies and textbooks, and candy of course.”
This step was started in the summer and completed in September.
The second phase began in mid-September this month. It consisted of the rehab of the rest of first floor of the Student Center. This area originally consisted of The Highlander Lounge, Advising, the bookstore and the information desk.
Now the student center is host to a renovated Highlander Lounge, and the movement of Student Government Association, Campus Life to the old bookstore. Computers for student use are also in the old bookstore.
The Highlander lounge will be used as a room for students to gather. There will be Wi-Fi in the room and a projector for movie nights.
Student activities assistant in Campus Life Donivon Foster said moving offices is a challenge, but the campus life staff has dealt with it in stride.
“One of the biggest challenges (with moving offices) is not missing a beat,” Foster said. “I think we have done a good job with that.”
Campus Life was temporarily in the old game room and Foster is happy to be back on the first floor.
“We missed being in that student traffic,” he said.
“What I am most proud of (about renovations) is an increase in student space,” said Walker.
The lobby has also has an informational triage in the student lobby to help people.
“These people (at the triage) will be knowledgeable about everything going on,” he said.
The third phase of construction has started this month, which will consist of moving Advising, Counseling and Career Services to the old Admissions office.
“A big concern with (construction) was to make the enrollment process easier,” Walker said.
The budget for the three phases of construction is 1.525 million. This includes the new kitchen for culinary students near the cafeteria.
Construction has gone to plan, but work on the concrete in the courtyard has taken longer than expected.
“We found issues with concrete below, so we are behind schedule,” said grounds manager John Vansaghi. “The concrete is actually breaking away from the columns that support the concrete.”
Walker says that he took student suggestions for the student center renovation.
“I really wanted to listen to student concerns,” said Walker.
All in all, Walker hopes the student center renovation will help students.
“We are trying to move into the 21st century,” he said.