Weights give way to meeting rooms, restroom

Benches, free weights and sweat have been replaced by meeting rooms and a new restroom on the University Center’s third floor.

With the move of an athletic training room to the newly expanded Recreation and Wellness Center, contractors are putting the final touches on UC 306, a 12-person conference and catering preparation room, and UC 304, an 18-person conference room. A new wheelchair accessible and gender neutral restroom is also part of the renovation.

“We’re waiting on furniture, an AV box and some electrical work,” Chad Garland, director, University Center, said recently. “That’s all that’s needed for the transformation from mini gym to common space to be complete.”

Garland is excited about the additional areas for university departments, community and student organizations to have meetings. Putting the weights on the west side of campus also means fewer interruptions and questions following the thud of 400 pounds of barbells onto the UC concrete floor.

For Jesse Perez, program director, LGBT Resource Center, the addition of a gender-neutral restroom to the University Center is the fruition of years of discussion about how to make the campus more inclusive. A gender-neutral restroom is an important part of providing a safe zone for students who may be uncomfortable selecting a gendered restroom based on their gender expression or gender identity, he said. Additionally, the restroom is equipped with a diaper changing station to make it family friendly.

To reserve the new meeting spaces, contact the University Center front desk, 255-3450.

— Photos by Tom Hutton