by Tiffany Logue
News editor
The Glen D. Johnson Student Union was built in 2006 incomplete, but by the end of this semester, some of the previous plans will be complete with the addition of several student-requested amenities.
Originally, Student Health Services was supposed to be located in the student union when it opened in 2006, but their offices were not completed at that time.
However, beginning this semester, Student Health Services has moved from Hallie McKinney to their new offices on the second floor of the union.
Along with the move of Student Health Services, new additions to the student union should be completed this semester, according to Dean of Students Camille Phelps, who helped students have a voice in the construction.
According to Phelps, about a year ago she was told it was “time to finish the next phase” of the union by Vice President of Student Affairs Sharon Robinson, Vice President of Business Affairs Ross Walkup and President Larry Minks.
Phelps said the student union is supposed to be a student space. She made it a point to write down all the things she heard students say they wish the union had.
After listening, Phelps put student ideas in motion.
Students will be able to entertain themselves by playing racquetball in the union.
According to Phelps, another change to be made in the student union will be a student lounge that will look similar to an old restaurant and bar.
While the lounge will contain a bar for students to sit at, it will not serve alcohol.
The lounge will contain microwaves as students requested, as well as a place to gather that is private but not separated from the campus.
When it is completed, the lounge will be located next to the gym and across from the Magnolia Grill.
Phelps said the sororities and fraternities asked for a private area to hold meetings and inductions.
Therefore, the construction in the union includes adding a private room for organizations.
Alpha Sigma Tau President Christy Higgins said, “As a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, I am excited … It means a lot for us to have a private room so we can conduct our weekly business meetings.
“We are extremely grateful that the student union has been able to meet our needs by adding more business rooms.”
Another change is the addition of blinds to the gym to increase privacy for people who would like it.
According to Phelps, the gym hosts many activities in which people might not want to be viewed while participating, such as cheerleading tryouts, aerobics and Zumba.
A padded walking track will also be added to the union gym. The track is complete, but the padding has not been installed yet.
Phelps said the padding will help serious walkers keep traction while burning calories.
According to Phelps, the construction should be finished in October. “I am feeling better and better about it all the time. I like the way it looks,” she said.