As part of contract negotiations that ended with university officials choosing Follett Higher Education to manage the bookstore last year, Follett gave $250,000 now being used to fund upgrades to the student center.
According to Michael Mills, director of housing and dining services, the Board of Regents determined that they would renovate the student center and try to reupholster the booths and chairs in the dining hall after years of wear and tear. The last remodel to the facility was at least before 2003, when Mills was hired.
“It’s been needed for awhile,” Mills said. “[Crews] started right before Christmas break and they are almost done,” Mills added. “They did the food court first and then moved to the cafeteria.”
As part of the renovation, broken wooden frames and springs were repaired on all furniture prior to being put back in the dining hall. “Basically, new booths and chairs for the dining hall,” Mills said.