The Observer, February 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 19
Student center project must unite - not separate
It is no secret that sometime in the future – while the actual date has yet to be announced – Thwing Center will be torn down to make way for the new and improved student center. However, it seems that the university has prematurely begun the process of rerouting students from the heart of campus to the quad. Within this semester, the Plain Dealer Electronic Learning Center (PDELC) has moved from within Kelvin Smith Library (KSL) into Nord and Charlie's Place was closed down to make way for a new and more "hip" pub and grill in the form of Wackadoo's.
The university's latest moves in creating a more unified campus have actually succeeded in cutting off the resources of those who spend their days on the Mather Quad. Not only was Charlie's Place the only option for grab-and-go cuisine – besides the option-deficient Pura Vida – but it was one of the only reasons for people to visit Thwing.
The new epicenter of campus is – ironically enough – Nord in the School of Engineering. Not only is the building adjacent to Sears' Grab-It, but it also houses Einstein Bros. Bagels and two word-processing computer labs.
While those who spend their days on the Main Quad may argue that having so many resources just minutes away is drastically improving the quality of life at Case, those who must go out of their way to utilize the word processing and dining facilities have little to celebrate.
As it stands, Thwing Center has little value for students as the main student center – other than for those in organizations based there. A quick look at universities across the country demonstrates the true nature of the student center: vivacious music, billiards and video games, the hustle and bustle of lunchtime conversation at any given time of day, and – most importantly – students.
The university seems to have made the initial effort to create that kind of atmosphere with the current addition of Wackadoo's. However, by deterring students from Thwing by removing the only existing amenity, it may be awhile before the intended outcome becomes a reality.
The university must put more thought into the development of Case's student center. A student center should provide more than another place for students to fall asleep. While Wackadoo's will add a distinct touch to Thwing, there needs to be another option for a grab-and-go meal on the Mather Quad. There is also a need for a recreational facility that would provide students with quality entertainment options to unwind throughout the day. Even if most students think they are too busy for any kind of fun break in the middle of the day, it will probably be much appreciated in the long run. Unlike some schools that have the issue of space to contend with, Case has a prime location and a decent structure for use in this type of project. However, beginning this project with the polarization of student resources will not allow it to succeed. Instead of further inconveniencing students on the Mather Quad – and thus creating a greater divide between the disciplines – Case should seek to unite students by accomodating common needs and interests.
