PHONE: (313) 593-5518
DATE: Nov. 3, 2003
Renovated University Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn
will enhance student services and student activities
DEARBORN---"Student life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn
is getting a big boost with the opening of the University
Center," according to Donna McKinley, vice chancellor for student
affairs. The campus community will get its first look at the inside of
the newly renovated facility when its doors open for business on Monday,
Nov. 10.
"Both indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to support student
interaction and events, and with the resources of the Fieldhouse close
by, the possibilities for enriching student life are tremendous,"
McKinley said
The renovated building has consolidated all key student services in one
location, meaning that students will be able to use their time on campus
more efficiently.
Student organizations also will get a major boost, with a large student
organization complex, including dedicated and open cubicles, locked storage,
meeting and gathering spaces, as well as an adjacent leadership resource
library.
Another highlight of the new center is an information desk that will
welcome students and visitors as they enter the building from the east.
Students will be able to obtain photos IDs and parking passes at the desk,
as well as information on services like restaurants and businesses in
the area.
Campus departments will start moving in to the building on Wednesday,
Nov. 5. Beginning Monday, Nov. 10, the building will be open to the public
from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the remainder of the academic year, with most
services inside the building operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some service
hours will be expanded and remain open until 7 p.m. later on in the semester
during final exams and textbook buy-back periods.
Departments making the move to the University Center include the Cashier's
Office, the Registrar's Office, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office
of Admissions and Orientation, the Office of Career Services, the Women's
Resource Center, the Student Activities Office and offices for student
organizations.
Other services that will be available in the new center on Nov. 10 include
the bookstore, a temporary food service offering "grab-and-go"
meal options, student lounge areas and the copy center.
The building will add more services in the coming weeks and months, including
a branch of the U-M Employees Credit Union and full food-service options,
which are expected to open early next term. A committee of students, faculty
and staff members are also working to plan formal opening and dedication
ceremonies early in February.
Renovation of the University Center began in August 2002, and cost approximately $13 million, with 75 percent of the total cost provided by the State of Michigan through the capital outlay process. Neumann, Smith and Associates were the architects on the project, and J.M. Olson was the general contractor.
###
