For the Students: Student Affairs makes key moves to improve campus life

The Southern University Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, a hangout and eatery for well over 4,000 students, has recently received several renovations to improve student life on campus.
Approximately two weeks ago, contractors hired by Southern University’s Student Affairs & Enrollment Management Department replaced the union’s front entrance doors with automatic sliding doors with built in sensors. The replacement was agreed upon and set in motion after the department was notified about the automatic door for the accessible push buttons, both interior and exterior, had malfunctioned and failed to perform its intended purpose.
According to Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, Dr. Brandon K. Dumas, students in wheelchairs faced the challenge of utilizing from that entrance, especially from the outside. Dumas said that the exterior button may have consistently malfunctioned due to Baton Rouge’s weather conditions, hence the reason for the replacement to be made.
“We look at the things that need to be done and try to prioritize based on budget, those things that are attainable,” said Dumas.
Along with the front entrance improvements, the food court’s decor also received renovations including new chairs, tables, dining booths and sofa-like lounging furniture with an attached small rotating table for students to place their food on for consumption. Dumas mentioned that renovations were made possible after Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Anthony T. Jackson, met with the University’s food service provider, Aramark, to express the concerns about the facility and possible upgrades to give the students a better living experience. He said that with the urgent push to make the redecoration of the food court a priority, Aramark used allocated resources to upgrade the facility.
“Hopefully the students are appreciative to a much more comfortable environment for them to socialize and enjoy the various food offerings that the food court has,” expressed Dumas.
So far, the improvements have received positive feedback through periodic surveys put out by Aramark and casual conversations between Student Affairs and students. According to Dumas, the total spent on the renovations is $12,945 for the door and exactly $238,000 for the food court.
Junior political science major, Jasmine Singleton, of Houma, Louisiana, and SGA Vice President, Breanna Perkins, supported the new changes, however, senior social work major Donte Libran of Oakland, California gave an alternative opinion.
“The food court in the Union is really nice. The workers are friendly and the food is tasty,” said Singleton.
“I love the new renovations to the Student Union’s food court. It makes the Union more relaxed and structured … the wall graphics provides a flare of school spirit that was desperately needed,” said Perkins.
“I like the sliding door, however I hate that the pool hall is closed after five. The seating arrangements are nice, but I just wish there were more seats with outlets nearby for studying,” said Libran.
In addition, the University’s pool hall, the Lacumba Play Pen, also received remodeling and accommodations. The pool hall now has new floor tiles and non-coin operated pool tables.
Also, the union’s bowling alley, now called “Jaguar Lanes,” will soon be remodeled with new features such as a concession stand. Dumas plans to have the bowling alley utilized as a nightly hangout spot for students to pass the time after class hours. However, this isn’t the only push by Student Affairs and SU’s 20/20, led by Union Operations Manager Tanisha Cousby, for a better student experience on campus.
In efforts to make SU student life more enjoyable, funds have been allocated to improve the campus shuttle ($26,000), landscaping ($4,000), fountain ($3,126.32), speed bump installation (1,000), campus crosswalks ($3,000) and directional signs ($11,000).
Dumas encourages students to become more active in the University. “A lot of this is guided by you all. We need to know what you’re thinking, so we can make it happen,” finishes the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Nigel Gary

A newly remodeled Lacumba’s Play Pen that features new flooring, furniture, lighting and free pool tables.