Out with the old, in with the new: How students are dealing with changes on campus

This year at University of St. Francis (USF), a lot of change is happening around campus with the addition of the new Student Success Center building. With the new building expanding into Tower Hall, departments have had the opportunity to move around campus. These changes have raised many questions among students and faculty. There is a shared concern among students about the relocation or closures of various departments, resources, and social gathering spots. To get deeper insight, students across campus were asked: 

“How do you feel about all the changes on campus, as well as the moving of departments?”. 

The feedback to this question varies.

“I think they are smart; it helps out the newcomers and new students a lot,” said senior marketing major Adrian Guerrero.

Luke Juris, a sophomore finance major, is a recent transfer student who has come to appreciate the changes. 

“I think it's very beneficial with everything moving, as it clears up more space throughout the university for other majors and clubs,” Juris said. 

 For newer students like Juris, these changes could be harder to adapt to as they were just settling into campus; and that has now been disrupted. 

Juris said, “Honestly, it wasn’t ideal, but I got used to it. I did struggle many times with financial aid and finding financial aid.”

Grant Siegel, a junior majoring in sports management, has experienced similarities to Juris. A major concern of his was the lack of advertising of these changes. 

“I struggled with finding financial aid on the second week of school and was almost late to class because of the walk back to Motherhouse,” said Siegel. “I wish they would have put it in more places that it moved or where I could have found it.”

Some students have not had as many issues with the relocated departments on campus; finding the changes easy to adapt too. 

Sophomore business major Michael Hackman said, “I think the new changes are good for the school and haven’t had trouble finding anything, but I hope the new spaces bring new food.” 

Hackman is just one of multiple students who is concerned with how the changes will affect the campus’ food situation. The changes have resulted in new food spaces on campus, with the reopening of the Saints Snack Shop. With new additions comes closures, as shown on the USF campus. The addition of the Saints Snack Shop is linked to a closure of a campus favorite: Bernie’s Pub, or “the pub.”

The pub was a late night dining spot on campus. Popular with students due to its later hours and extensive menu, many seem upset with its closure.

Guerrero said, “I haven’t been lost looking for anything, but I was very upset when I went looking for the pub, and it wasn’t there. It was my go-to spot on campus, and now it is gone.” 

Food is a favorite among the students, as on-campus eating is on the come up. Even with the pub closure, there is hope that they will enjoy the new Saints Snack Shop. 

As it seems, USF students like the moves on campus so far. The struggles have been limited but not nonexistent. Like all changes, the ones at USF will just take some time to get adjusted. Food is at the forefront of students' minds, maybe because they were interviewed right before lunch. Either way, students are excited and ready for the new things coming to USF!