Hello to all who have just recently joined the Wolfpack Family! I feel honored and find it a privilege to be able to share my thoughts on a project that will live on forever in the history of this great institution. You have chosen a perfect time to join us here at NC State. You will see not only the beginnings of the renovations, but the finishing touches as well. How exciting! You play a vital role in the success of this project. The students and families help make decisions, help fund these projects, and use the facilities.
I am Jason Cooper, a junior majoring in communications. I am currently involved with many things here on this campus including University Theater, Student Government, University Ambassadors, Student Mentor Association, and Admissions internship. I have been to many programs, eaten meals, performed on Stewart Theatre’s stage, and been to countless meetings in Talley Student Center. Coming from high school, I thought the student center was such a cool place. Now a junior, I am completely aware of what improvements Talley needs, and I hold many opinions on the project. I am a huge advocate for the renovations.
Every campus has a go-to spot that allows students to grab a bite to eat, meet up with friends, get information about events on campus, study, and relax. That go-to spot is the student center. The student center is not just a building, but a place that students can find fulfillment in their social and academic life. The student center for the campus is a great way to integrate the community into the campus through films, concerts, lectures, career fairs, dances, and networking opportunities.
Talley Student Center is the face of NC State. It is the first place that many visitors see once arriving to the campus. If visitors do not go by the Joyner Visitor Center for information, they usually refer to the help desk in Talley for any and all information. Talley is also a place where the majority of our major events occur. Stewart Theatre and Talley Ballroom are two of the main spaces that allow us to accompany large numbers of people. Lastly, the student center lies right within the heart of our campus. Students, faculty, and staff are able to get to Talley in equal amounts of time from any part of the campus. The location is perfect for anyone passing through campus or walking from one side of campus to the other.
Unfortunately, Talley lacks those qualities that make it a unique and a fully beneficial part of the campus. The building being built in 1972, it is a little outdated. The expectations of today are much higher and students want more. Students are looking for more study lounge spaces, better variety of dining options, storage space for club organizations, computer lounges, common areas, ergonomic furniture, larger meeting spaces and more! Our current student center has limited areas for students to relax or study. The common areas and study lounges have somewhat been merged into one space. The students want areas that serve specific purposes. The dining options in Talley were enjoyed by the students for a short time. Taco Bell, Lil Dino’s, and Freshens Smoothie shop are not the best variety of options. These eateries within Talley are only open for a limited amount of time each day. Our choices are then limited on the weekend as well. Students want healthy options that they can enjoy on a regular basis and options that are unique to our campus. One would think that there would be a computer lab/study lounge that students could access in between classes or when they want to enjoy a change of scenery from their residence hall. Oddly enough, there are only four computers in Talley Student Center that allow students to check their email. Students are not interested in being limited to what sites they are allowed to surf.
One of biggest additions to the student center will be the type of seating located throughout the area. Lastly, the building is in need of expansion for the growing population here at NC State. Clubs and organizations do not have that many options for meeting space within this building. Many of our spaces require reservations at the beginning of the year and those reservations usually fill up fairly quickly. The most popular events that we hold in this building usually create a lot of congestion once the crowds gather. Gladly, the new and improved Talley Student Center will solve these problems and meet the students’ expectations.
Take the Ohio Union at Ohio State University for example. This school just went through what NC State is about to embark on. A complete renovation of their student center has proved to be incredible for their campus. It proves to not be just a building, but an all around campus experience in one place. Our renovation to Talley Student Center will mirror the process of the Ohio Union. If you have time, please check out the Ohio Union website [http://ohiounion.osu.edu/]. Clicking on the different links will lead you to an assortment of things to do, places to eat, and services offered JUST WITHIN THE BUILDING! On a more personal level, our library has the feel that we want to create for the student center. Oddly enough, students spend an immense amount of time in the library, day and night. Even when they do not have homework or a test to study for, you will find students hanging out in the learning commons. The learning commons has desktop computers, video game consoles, and some of the most comfortable seating on our campus. So imagine the feel of D.H. Hill Library… but ten times better!
You will not see these changes immediately upon your arrival to the campus, but luckily youare able to see the constant changes as they occur to the student center. You have to understand that this is a phase that any project has to go through in order to reap the awesome benefits. Think of some of the most phenomenal hang out places around your town, including the local mall or museum. These buildings were not constructed over night, but they took time and the support of everyone. Your cooperation, positive attitude, and opinion will truly help out all of those that are involved with the renovation of Talley.
While I have shared numbers of memories with my friends in Talley Student Center, there is so much more that can and will be done to maximize every student’s experience. Please be on the lookout for my next blog, as I share with you more exciting news about this transformation. …a transformation that will be even bigger, even better, and even more sustainable!
Thank you,
Jason Cooper