Welcome back! Summer is drawing to a close, and students are slowly but surely getting into that back-to-school mode. While anything and everything on campus is new to the freshmen, you upperclassmen might notice that CMU isn’t quite the same as you left it back in May. The campus has undergone some exciting changes over the past three months, and they haven’t escaped our watchful eyes.
1. Hunt Library Renovation
If you’re an avid Hunt-goer, you’ve probably noticed that the library got quite a makeover during summer break! The space on the first floor that was previously occupied by computers, printers, and tables has been transformed into separate study spaces with glass doors and windows. If these spaces aren’t being used for a class, you’re welcome to check them out and use them for studying or group meetings.
2. Dining Changes
Possibly the most thrilling change since last spring is the total transformation of CMU’s Dining Services. CulinArt has definitely stepped up their game! Students have already noticed a marked difference in the quality of the food at almost all the dining locations on campus. One student playfully claimed, “The food is finally edible!” There are now fancier menus at The Marketplace in the University Center, with the edition of “Rice Bowl” and its wealth of delicious and nutritious options. Students are also delighted to find that many of their favorite dining locations are now open later. For example, The Exchange is open until 8 pm, and Evgefstos is open for dinner! Lots of other small changes have not escaped students’ watchful gazes. Tazza D’Oro made their small coffees smaller, coffee from La Prima costs five cents more, and gluten-free options are now offered at many more locations on campus. Finally, there is now a “CMU Dining App” where you can find menus, hours, and nutritional information for your favorite dining locations, all in one place. Check it out at https://ihelp.cmich.edu/apps and download it from the app store!
3. Tennis Court Walkway
It’s finally finished! Now, instead of taking a shortcut through Margaret Morrison Hall (or worse, walking all the way around the tennis courts), you can finally use the walkway between the CUC and Tepper. There are even tables where you can sit, eat lunch, and watch the tennis players do their thing. Goodbye excessive and unnecessary walking, hello long-awaited shortcut!
5. “Cohon” University Center
What was that extra “C” you heard before “UC”? That’s right, the “University Center” has officially become the “Cohon University Center.” While the new abbreviation is difficult (and perhaps impossible) for upperclassmen to get used to, the name also comes with the promise of a whole lot more. The upcoming 62,000-square-foot addition to the Jared L. Cohon University Center will include fitness space, two exercise studios, a cycling studio, additional locker rooms, an improved equipment desk, a pool spectator balcony and a new entrance and lobby.
5. Football field renovation
If you’ve walked past the Gesling Stadium recently, you probably noticed the bright red end zones on the football field, and a familiar face – the Scotty dog with his plaid handkerchief – in the center of the field. The football players have a whole new surface to practice on this fall, with the newly-replaced FieldTurf looking bright and new. Our terrifying Scottish terrier is sure to scare off all those opposing teams this fall. Be sure to come out to the first home game against Geneva on September 27th at 1:00 pm to support the Tartans!
Lots of other things have changed on CMU’s campus since we all left last spring, there’s not enough room to mention it all! There’s a new printer on The Hill. Delta Tau Delta Fraternity has moved into the old Beta House on Forbes Avenue. Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity has moved into the old DTD house on Margaret Morrison Street. The Career Center has been relocated to the second floor of West Wing, with lots of exciting changes to their daily operations. With all of these exciting transformations, it’s pretty hard to contain our excitement for the upcoming school year. Remember – work hard, play harder!
Photo Source: http://www.pbase.com/image/5002909/original