The Student Activities Center, with the exception of Curtis Hall, is Temple University’s biggest blemish. Since well before this semester, slow-as-molasses construction has marred what used to be a great spot for students to gather for vital social interaction. Now it is just a big hairy mole.
Only time will tell if the project will be worth the estimated total cost of construction: 31 million dollars. The first phase of the project, including a new 700-seat dining hall and a foot entry atrium, should be completed in the Fall of 2001. But there’s no telling when the second phase, which will bring the return of the movie theater, game room, a media center and a night club, will be completed.
Is all the construction worth it? What about the students who liked SAC the way it was? There isn’t much these people can do. The future is just around the bend (if not already here) and Temple’s on going face-lifts emphasize a push for more modern, state-of-the-art technology. But bigger isn’t always better. While the Tuttleman Learning Center, which cost nearly 30 million dollars to build and features some neat-o technology, something’s wrong when even a comfortable classroom temperature can’t be maintained.
The real problem is that too many of the proposed or current construction projects are catered to non-commuters and specific majors. Cooney Site Residence Hall is one of the biggest current endeavors. Costing an exorbitant 60 million dollars, the massive site will bed an additional 1,000 or so students and feature lounges and a convenience store. The new dorms are meant to appeal to students who can afford the cost of living on campus.
Even Curtis Hall will soon be a memory. The Fox School of Business will soon undergo a transformation that will bring even more lounges and finally put that poor excuse for a learning environment, Curtis Hall, out of its misery. The business students may be the university hopefuls for raking in the dough, but how about spreading the wealth? Here’s an idea: Let’s scrap the two sections of Anderson Hall and make one big SUPER ANDERSON HALL!
In all seriousness, Temple can add more dorms and lounges until they’re red in the pocket. It still won’t make the majority of Temple students’ experiences more enjoyable. Temple is a commuter school and emphasis should be put on facilities for those who aren’t living in dorms as much as those who do.
The people who make the big decisions – the adding of new buildings, how much it will cost, etc. – are not college age; nor are they mind readers. This is why it is imperative that you, the students, use your voice to gain the attention of the people that propose and undertake these massive projects. Because of the great diversity among students, it might be easy to overlook that there are other students who have similar dreams about what their college experience can be. Some wish they could go to the Owl Cove to see their favorite musical artist. Others wish they didn’t have to travel off campus for a haircut.
Sadly, this whole argument is futile for many. By the time SAC is done, a good number of you will be gone. Nevertheless, don’t let Temple waste its money on stuff the next generation of students don’t need. Demand to be heard by those who decide where the big bucks go. Don’t just sit around complaining that Temple is messed up. Contribute that brick that will build a solid foundation for a more attractive, entertaining Temple University.
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