Campus Crossroads extends weekend hours for trial run
Matt Kreitzer
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: News
Several improvements to the campus, including finishing the wellness center, creating a networking utility for students and installing pool tables in Campus Crossroads, were announced in Tuesday's Student Government Association meeting.
Jason McCarty, a SGA senator and senior from Oakridge, Tenn., said, "We plan on adding two new pool tables to the Crossroads building.
"Soon there will be a trial weekend where Grille Works, Subway and the pasta shop will remain open and give students variety and another reason to stay on campus during the weekends," McCarty said.
"Students can see where these new pool tables will be if they look for two squares on the floor in the Crossroads," McCarty said.
In other business, Ron Nelson of the campus recreation department will be meeting with contractors Sept. 25 to find out when the wellness center will be completed.
"On the first floor we plan on having a bouldering rock, climbing tower, a martial arts room and an aerobics room," Nelson said.
On the second floor there will be a main lobby, featuring pictures of students who have graduated from UTC and went on to distinguish themselves in athletics, Nelson said.
"On the third floor there will be a running track, which will allow students to look outside 80 percent of the time," Nelson said. "Next to that, there will be an aerobics room for cheerleaders and the Sugar Mocs."
Once the building is open, the campus recreation department plans on meeting with contractors and placing a bid on a recreational swimming building, Nelson said.
Improvements to Engel Stadium are currently in the works, Nelson said.
"There is currently room for three flag football fields, a collegiate soccer and rugby field, and a lacrosse field," Nelson said.
Next, SGA President Scott Stuart, a senior from Maryville, Tenn., said SGA is interested in looking into offering summer online courses for students.
Jeremy Bourgoin, a junior from Nashville, said: "One thing holding us back as a university is the lack of an online program. We need this to be competitive."
Daniel Hunley, SGA treasurer and junior from Jacksonville, Tenn., said: "This is probably the most important issue. Faculty is also concerned with students not getting the same amount of experience [in an online course as] they get in the classroom."
Stuart said, "This would also attract people who can't sit through class on a campus with people 10 to 15 years younger."
Allowing students to socialize on campus was another concern that was discussed. Brandon Bess, a senior from Memphis, said, "Students should start using knetwit.com."
Bess said, "Knetwit is a Web site that allows for students to sign up, exchange notes and is a great resource for networking.
"It is basically an educational facebook for our campus," Bess said.
Jason McCarty, a SGA senator and senior from Oakridge, Tenn., said, "We plan on adding two new pool tables to the Crossroads building.
"Soon there will be a trial weekend where Grille Works, Subway and the pasta shop will remain open and give students variety and another reason to stay on campus during the weekends," McCarty said.
"Students can see where these new pool tables will be if they look for two squares on the floor in the Crossroads," McCarty said.
In other business, Ron Nelson of the campus recreation department will be meeting with contractors Sept. 25 to find out when the wellness center will be completed.
"On the first floor we plan on having a bouldering rock, climbing tower, a martial arts room and an aerobics room," Nelson said.
On the second floor there will be a main lobby, featuring pictures of students who have graduated from UTC and went on to distinguish themselves in athletics, Nelson said.
"On the third floor there will be a running track, which will allow students to look outside 80 percent of the time," Nelson said. "Next to that, there will be an aerobics room for cheerleaders and the Sugar Mocs."
Once the building is open, the campus recreation department plans on meeting with contractors and placing a bid on a recreational swimming building, Nelson said.
Improvements to Engel Stadium are currently in the works, Nelson said.
"There is currently room for three flag football fields, a collegiate soccer and rugby field, and a lacrosse field," Nelson said.
Next, SGA President Scott Stuart, a senior from Maryville, Tenn., said SGA is interested in looking into offering summer online courses for students.
Jeremy Bourgoin, a junior from Nashville, said: "One thing holding us back as a university is the lack of an online program. We need this to be competitive."
Daniel Hunley, SGA treasurer and junior from Jacksonville, Tenn., said: "This is probably the most important issue. Faculty is also concerned with students not getting the same amount of experience [in an online course as] they get in the classroom."
Stuart said, "This would also attract people who can't sit through class on a campus with people 10 to 15 years younger."
Allowing students to socialize on campus was another concern that was discussed. Brandon Bess, a senior from Memphis, said, "Students should start using knetwit.com."
Bess said, "Knetwit is a Web site that allows for students to sign up, exchange notes and is a great resource for networking.
"It is basically an educational facebook for our campus," Bess said.
