The Smith Brown Memorial student union is getting some much needed improvements this semester as the administration continues its focus of improving student life on campus.
The new upgrades, which were assessed from student fees, have so far gone into adding new tables, seating and lighting to the food court with much more to come.
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Anthony Jackson, says that the idea to renovate the union came from an initiative to bring the union and student services up to students’ standards.
“Most of our students are from out of state so we really want to make the union a home away from home,” said Jackson, “We’re trying to make it as comfortable as possible for our students,” he finished.
Jackson also stated that students can expect to see improvements coming to the under utilized game room.
“Last year we had 12 pool tables and none of them were used,” said Jackson
Among the upgrades will be a karaoke stage, Playstation and Xbox consoles and new pool tables.
Student union Operations Manager Tanisha Cousby said that with the additional changes she and Jackson are trying to bring some type of student aspect to the union.
Stating that soon the glass surrounding the union will display Greek and other organization symbols to incorporate more of a student aspect into the union.
When asked what the goal of the improvements were, Cousby stated it was to have a place for students to come that’s comfortable, nice, convenient and well put together.
“Students pay a fee so in return lets show them where those fees go,” said Cousby, “In return we hope that students will give back to us by respecting the furniture,” she finished
Jackson also echoed that sentiment.
“I think one thing the students have to do is take ownership,” said Jackson “They are assisting us in making these changes so they should take some ownership and take care of their home, and Southern is their home,” Jackson finished.
Junior Criminal Justice major Adriana Hamilton also worries that students may not take care of the new upgrades but feels the money for the improvements could have been spent more wisely.
“I would’ve preferred to fix the elevator in the library,” said Hamilton “There were already chairs in the union and it seemed like they were enjoying those just fine.”
Sophmore Accounting major Simone Pillette says that she loves the new improvements and disagrees that students wont take care of the new furniture in the food court.
“I feel like the additions are much more student friendly and comfortable,” continued Pillette.
“I think we’re going to take care of it and it’s going to look nice.”
She also added, “It’s nice improvement the money could have been used to improve other things,”finished Pillette.
A definitive date was not given on when students should expect a completely renovated game room and food court area but that it would definitely be finished before May 2017.
Bathroom renovations in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union Bathroom
