The Class of 1920 Commons’ basement is getting a makeover. The space opened Wednesday with upgraded lighting and more laptop outlets, seating and vending machines — plus additional furniture and final touches are to come.
A project of the Undergraduate Assmebly and Business Services, the renovations came about after students expressed an interest in more late-night study spaces. We commend the groups for making a relatively fast change to fill a campus need.
In Fall 2008, when the retail on the middle level of Commons started closing at 9:30 p.m. instead of at midnight, students lost a conveniently located study spot. Aside from lounges in some of the college houses, most other places on campus that are open late are farther from where the bulk of the student body lives. Now, students can pour through their textbooks and chat with each other even later at night, since the basement is open Sunday through Thursday until 2 a.m.
When many current UA members were candidates last spring, they named increasing the number of open study spaces as a top priority. All too often, campaign promises fall to the wayside, so it’s good to see student government members accomplishing their goals. We hope that the basement’s furnishings are adjusted if necessary to further meet students’ needs, and we hope that the space can become a place that brings students together.
