Students have had mixed reactions to the possibility of placing a CVS in Moravian Cafes at 34th and Walnut streets, in the space that will be vacated by four food vendors. Even so, Facilities and Real Estate Services says that student opinion is taken seriously when deciding on new retail or dining options on campus.
While the health of the economy and the best interests of the University always factor into the decisions of Facilities administrators, these officials say they also attempt to gauge student opinion both formally and informally.
Facilities officials "really do try to engage students in the projects as much as possible," said Wharton senior Yelena Gershman, chairwoman of the Undergraduate Assembly's Facilities Committee.
The Facilities Committee -- one of five committees of the UA -- tackles everything from recycling on campus to public safety, and committee members are sometimes consulted by Facilities Services when changes will be made on campus. Such was the case with the decision to put a CVS or similar store at 34th and Walnut streets. In late September, Facilities Services solicited the committee's input.
At the meeting, the committee "discussed [its] opinions on the various scenarios that they proposed," according to Gershman. The group decided that a pharmacy or convenience store at that location would be most useful to students.
In addition to regular meetings with the committee, Facilities Services also ascertains student opinion through focus groups. At these talks, small groups of students gather with Facilities administrators over pizza to discuss what is and is not working with the various amenities on campus.
"We work very hard to fit what the needs are of the campus," said Lisa Prasad, associate vice president for business administration.
Prasad also noted that Facilities administrators do not always have to reach out to students first. Many students approach Facilities Services with ideas and suggestions.
"A lot of our students are very good with getting in touch with us," Prasad said.
Student opinion was factored into a retail strategy created by the department in 2001, which set out a general plan for the University's retail development in the near future.
According to Prasad, research showed that students see University Square as a "student destination," where they look to see more name-brand retailers. This helped motivate the University to bring in the Ann Taylor Loft to 36th and Walnut streets.
Yet, Prasad stresses that Facilities Services cannot solely base its decisions on student opinions.
"Retail leasing is very externally driven. A lot depends on regional and local economy," she said.
