It’s about time we put the “student” back in the Student Union. Every time I walk into Stamp Student Union for a meeting, to study or to grab a bite to eat, I feel more like I’m in a hospital or a hotel than the center of student life on the campus. The walls are bland and sterile, the structure is cold and lifeless, and even some of its nicer features such as the big marble table in the lobby feel like they are catering to conferences or administrators rather than the group of people from which the place derives its name – the students.
There is no doubt the Student Union provides plenty of beneficial student services. The building plays host to offices and events that enhance student life. Not to mention, there are plenty of places to eat, shop, study and relax. But to complement this, there needs to be a central place created by students just for students.
The Student Union by its very name aims at bringing all types of students and student groups together. A few couches and chairs scattered throughout the Student Union do not sufficiently accomplish this goal. To unify students, we need to have a student lounge to call our own.
What I have in mind is a lounge area that we could give our own paint job, select our own more funky and welcoming furniture and provide with cozier lighting. This lounge would be decorated like a collective dorm room full of banners from different cultural organizations and other student groups, student artwork and, of course, tons of Terp gear. We need a place that screams student life and really represents what being a college student is all about.
The circular area in the basement of the Student Union near the Maryland Food Co-Op, TerpZone and University Book Center would be perfect for this. We would add a widescreen TV or two so students could catch up on the news or watch a Terps game while munching on a snack from the Maryland Food Co-Op. We could also have a few Internet kiosks so students could keep up with their e-mails between classes.
Student groups, if they are interested, would have the opportunity to assist in this. This would also be a place bordered by bulletin boards where students could post upcoming events, housing openings and job opportunities. Although much of this advertisement exists already, centralizing it would make it more accessible for everyone.
This centralization would facilitate coordination and exchange of ideas, events and resources. I also see this as a place where university departments, such as Transportation Services or the Department of Resident Life, would come to talk to students to get feedback on the services they provide.
This idea is very feasible. In fact, I have already started to build a task force of students, faculty and staff who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work to make this lounge a reality. The task force will soon consist of members of the Union Advisory Board, the Maryland Food Co-Op, Book Center, TerpZone and Office of Campus Programs. Everyone I’ve talked to has been both receptive of and enthusiastic about this much-needed space.
The Student Union actually used to have a Commuter Student Lounge, which was not included in the renovation plans because it received criticism for being solely for commuters. I believe the problem had more to do with it targeting a specific type of student than with the idea in general. A student lounge that is open to all students can definitely be very successful.
This is about creating a space that puts students first in a building that is supposed to be all about students. I am excited about this project, and I look forward to hearing your feedback as we begin to take action on these ideas.
Andrew Friedson is the director of governmental affairs for the SGA and is running for SGA president with the First Party. He can be reached at friedson.andrew@gmail.com.
