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August 30, 2007
William Paterson University Opens Expanded and Renovated Student Center Complex
—Complex to be known as “University Commons”
—Series of opening events to take place on Thursday, September 6
William Paterson University begins the 2007-08 academic year with the opening of its expanded and renovated student center complex, which will be known as University Commons. A series of opening events will be held on Thursday, September 6.
The focal point of the University’s invigorated central campus, the complex was designed with an expanse of glass windows to highlight William Paterson’s visually beautiful suburban location, as well as new—and flexible—space for student activities and events. It offers students seamless access to student development services, activities, meeting rooms, and dining venues, all under one roof.
“A state-of-the-art campus center that provides a supportive social and extracurricular environment is essential for all of our students,” says President Arnold Speert. “We’ve designed University Commons as the heart of the campus, where our entire community will gather and interact.”
The new complex is designed to enhance student services for commuters and residents and provide a resource for community events.
The glass facades on both sides of the renovated Student Center allow those outside the building to view the activity inside. The inside provides expansive views of the campus, especially of the new student quadrangle on the south side of the complex. A new plaza and drop-off area has been created at the entrance to Parking Lot 5, including a bus stop for the University’s campus shuttle, and New Jersey Transit buses that serve the campus. In addition, the entire area has been re-landscaped and features new seating areas on benches and low walls, and new trees and other planted areas.
In addition to significantly expanded space for events, including a new 500-seat Ballroom, new meeting rooms, and a transformed food court, the offices of the vice president for student development, career development and advisement, and disability services have relocated to the Student Center, which continues to house offices for campus activities, hospitality and dining services, the women’s center, and more than 50 student clubs and organizations.
“The quality of campus life is enhanced when students, faculty, and staff can attend events and access services in a building that’s attractive and comfortable—a place where people want to congregate,” says John Martone, vice president for student development. “This complex—now including the John Victor Machuga Student Center, Wayne Hall, and the Ballroom—will be the hub for all our students, both residential and commuter.”
Highlights of the renovated facility include a redesigned food court, several outdoor patios and lounges, and a new information desk. A glass-enclosed bridge on the second floor links the Student Center to the Ballroom and meeting rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia capability.
Wayne Hall, William Paterson’s central dining facility for resident students, has received upgrades including a new student lounge on the ground floor. The Pioneer Restaurant, previously located on the second floor of the Student Center, will be located in a renovated space on the second floor of Wayne Hall. “Students will now be able to access all of the University’s dining options, from Wayne Hall to the food court, without leaving the complex,” says Martone.
www.wpunj.edu
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