Abstract
My project is to play an instrumental role in the renovation and update of the Sharwan Smith Student
Center on campus. This has been a goal of student body presidents for the past 8-10 years. I was able to play a crucial role in the Sharwan Smith Student Center Renovations last year. After nearly a decade of attempts,
I was the first Student Body President to get significant renovations approved and progressing. I was able to design much of the floor plan, determine how the budget would be spent, and effect decisions on paint, tile, and other aspects of the change. It was a tremendous effort to see the changes that have been completed and will be very rewarding to have them completed next year.
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Goals
Work with administration to successfully get the renovations approved and actually happen. Update the student center to be more modern and welcoming to students and prospective students. Create more open and viable spaces for students to use. I worked with administration extensively throughout my project. I worked directly with President Wyatt, VP Jared Tippets, VP Marvin Dodge, VP Benson, Dean Ramirez, and Facilities Director Ben Johnson. I also had many meetings with MESA architects, SUUSA’s Executive Council, and numerous students, faculty, and staff. We were able to say ‘goodbye’ to pink tile and fry sauce colored paint and ‘hello’ to school colors with a more modern look and feel. Twenty-two groups were also able to receive new spaces in the student center or receive additional updates with flooring, paint, furniture, and other improvements.
Organizations that changed locations or received an update included the Cashier, Registrar, Admissions, Facilities Maintenance, Outtakes, Chick-fil-A, Financial Aid, Counseling and Psychological Services, Welcome Center, SUU Outdoors, International Affairs, Veteran’s Center, Leavitt Center, Outdoor Engagement Center, IIC, Non-Traditional Student Center, Radio, Orientation, SUUSA, STIL, Diversity & Inclusion, and the Post Office.
Additional organizations on campus have also received location changes and updates in connection with the changes. Students are feeling more welcome in the student center and are beginning to have more access to spaces that are open to them.
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Objectives
Develop an effective plan with administration and our facilities team. Present various proposals to current students for additional feedback. Actually see progress. During my project I met with groups of differing roles and backgrounds around 30 times in varying sizes and settings. I was able to note their feedback and adjust our proposal accordingly. These meetings also provided opportunities to share updates and answer questions, because things were always changing. After seven grueling months and what felt like 40 floor plan adjustments I was able to have a proposed floor plan accepted. With another six weeks I was able to have our $1 million budget approved and signed. We were able to see construction commence during this time and continue throughout the summer break.
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Deliverables
An updated student center with significant improvements for the campus community. Phase 1 of 2 of the student center renovations were completed just in time for school to start August of 2016. We have had numerous Facebook posts and comments, emails, and personal conversations of students, faculty, and staff who are very excited about the changes that have occurred. Everyone notes that the changes are so much better than before the renovations. We are still getting feedback on some adjustments to make as facilities undergo phase 2. It is very rewarding to walk through the student center and feel the improvements and change in mood of the space.
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