UNIVERSITY CENTER DEVELOPS STUDENT CLUB

A student club is taking shape in the University Center on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

Construction work began about two weeks ago to turn the northern section of the University Center's cafeteria into a student club.

The $42,000 project is being done by university crews.

Mary Richards, assistant director of the University Center, said the project should be completed by mid-September.

"The whole north cafeteria is being renovated into the club. The food service has put in a snack bar that will be accessible from the club side, where they will have pizza and sandwiches and those kinds of things," said Richards.

The south side of the dining area in the University Center will continue to operate as a regular cafeteria, she pointed out.

But the club side, said Richards, will feature a sound booth where disc jockeys can play music. There will also be a stage, where comedians and bands can perform.

"At this point in time, it's more geared toward individual performers," pointed out Richards.

She said plans also call for installation of a big-screen television and several monitors. This would allow for televised sporting events to be shown and possibly video tapes of intramural sporting events.

"There will be a completely different atmosphere," said Richards. "The club, we are trying to promote as more of a social atmosphere. We want the club to be the social place," she added.

The club will have seating for about 150 to 175 people and be accessible to the handicapped.

The main entrance to the club will be on the east side of the building, facing Kent Library. "They are going to blast a hole in the cinder block wall and that is where the main entrance will be," said Richards.

She said the club will have extended hours. It will be open during the day and at night.

At this point, there are no plans to serve alcoholic beverages at the club, Richards said.

The club, which has yet to be officially named, will offer a perfect setting for entertainment offered by the Student Activity Council, Richards said. "In the past, we have been putting things together in the UC lobby and cafeteria, with makeshift stages."

Richards said a student advisory board has been formed. The board will help develop policies regarding operation of the club.

"We think it will be great," Richards said of the new club.