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Plans are moving rapidly to keep parts of Memorial Union open around the clock.
Student Government President Owen McCarthy proposed a rough plan the first week in February. Now Kenda Scheele, senior associate dean for students, predicts the Union will be open 24-7 before the end of the semester.
“We have about four different options,” said Scheele about dividing up the union.
The Marketplace will not be open, nor the computer cluster, which requires a small staff.
Administrators, along with Facilities Management and the fire marshal are working together to determine the best way to give students access to some food and study tables while minimizing costs.
Scheele predicted that Public Safety and security measurements will not need to be heightened, but security cameras may need to be added to the spaces.
Plans so far include keeping parts of the upstairs, such as the Commuter Lounge open, but fire and handicap accessibility regulations dictate that part of the downstairs must be open too, for bathroom accessibility.
“It’s really the only place we can do it,” Scheele said. “This is a lot easier to integrate, the way it is set up.”
McCarthy said the space will work as a place for students to study on campus.
“It allows you to have food and drink and allows you to take advantage of a lounge,” Scheele said. “It’s conducive to people who want to practice plays, to people who want to study.”
When asked about the importance of the project, McCarthy said, “Whether it’s necessary or not, it’s not going to cost any money, and we will find out if it is necessary.”
