Located in the basement of the Union Building, the new student space is open Monday through Friday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. for all students.
Student Body President Cody Watson and Dorian Shager, dean of campus life have worked together over the course of the last year to put together what they call their “one stop shop,” for everything a student organization could need. The two reference the student space in this manner because it includes a long meeting table, multiple study spaces and individual cubicles for student organizations and individual students. The space also features multiple technological updates like a large flat screen TV with Chrome.
Given it is only the first few weeks of classes, there has not been much traffic; however, it has been used for multiple organization meetings.
“We have been getting more and more engagement each day as students realize this space can be whatever they want to make it to be,” said Watson.
Both Shager and Watson wanted to stress their willingness to transform this space even more. The two have worked to create a space that will enhance its overall usage for student organizations, but they know there will need to be adjustments and improvements.
“It’s a work in progress, so we want students to reach out to us and say ‘this is great, keep this’ or ‘this is great, but we really need this,” Watson said.
Students with ideas can stop by the student space. Watson is generally stationed at his desk alongside Student Body Vice President Courtney Cosby. Their desks are in the back of the space near the creative station.
Student government hopes to send information about reserving the space via email this week. For now, students can email the DSG President at dsg_president@depauw.edu. Then, Watson will send the form to fill out and check it with the Campus Life and Community Development Interns to validate availability.
Any student who wants to meet with a group, organization or just by themselves is welcome to stop by anytime or put in a facilities request. All leaders of organizations will also have 24/7 ID access to the space. There is even extra storage space for clubs and rental for things like speakers or popcorn machines.
“Ultimately whatever works,” Shager said. “This is a student space.”