A year ago, the student body was up in arms over the line back-ups, lack of choices and general inefficiency at the Usdan University Center. Now, more than a year later, the administration and Bon Appétit have, in general, made substantial efforts to listen to student feedback and have made several improvements. However, there are still many problems with the campus center. One year later, we want to take this opportunity to think about both the positive changes that have been made, and the changes that are still lacking.
Positive changes:
• In response to student feedback, the University repainted the stairway, making it less sterile and more welcoming to both student and visitors.
• Bon Appétit added line dividers to the all-you-care-to-eat line, making it more efficient and easier for students to navigate.
• An ice cream bar where students can scoop their own frozen treats was added, similar to MoCon’s much-missed dessert display.
• The Café expanded its refrigerated section to include not just sushi, but an expanded variety of sandwiches and snack items.
• Bulletin boards were added second semester of last year so that more spaces were available for students to post event flyers.
• Right now, student work from Architecture II is on display in the cases in Usdan. We like the idea that Usdan can be used as a space to show student work.
• Events like the upcoming Rocktoberfest event, in which Michael Roth will perform, are great for building community and bringing students together in Usdan.
Suggested Improvements:
• While large renovations like adding a second tray drop-off area would be extremely expensive, the process could be made much shorter by doing small things, like simply adding trash cans outside the drop-off alcove, expanding the lines to form outside of that tight space.
• While we think the new paint is attractive, something like letting students paint murals, to be changed every year or even every semester, would turn an ordinary, dull space into something that reflects student personality and individuality.
• There is currently no system to replace the announcements that were made by students in MoCon about upcoming events, concerts and performances. We hope Usdan could use their resources to either provide students a podium for announcements, or to let students use the intercom system, as of now solely used for administrative purposes.
• The outdoor balcony cannot really be used because of a huge number of bees. If the area could be improved through some means of insect control, it could be more fully enjoyed by students during these last warm days.
• The computers in the common area are constantly freezing. Most days, only three to four of them are running properly and available for student use. We hope that ITS can help.
The positive changes that have been made reflect the administration and Bon Appétit’s efforts to listen to student input. We hope that they can continue a dialogue with students, and that Usdan further become a place that students visit both day and night to participate in events and community building activities, and not just treat as a cafeteria and a post office.
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