Orgs prep for new place

University Bookstore will be the first to settle in.

By Krissy Tripp

Published Oct. 28, 2008

The University Bookstore could be the only thing to make the move to the new student center on time.

Organizations might not make the transition on time because the weather put that part of the student center behind schedule. Student Life Director Mark Lucas said he expects the student organization area to open early next semester.

If construction finishes on time, groups moving from Brady Commons to the new student center plan to move over winter break.

Who is getting the space in the new center is still being decided. Student Organizations Coordinator Nick Evans said applications for space are still out.  Tenants will be notified if they receive the space Nov. 7.

Evans said the new space is an improvement in space and technology, which has been needed to be updated for some time.

"I understand that it's hard to justify putting a lot of money into this building when it's ready to be renovated completely," he said. Now, access to electrical outlets is limited and wireless Internet is spotty, so students and staff use Ethernet cables.

"From my desk I can see three Ethernet cords right now," Evans said.

In the new space, wireless Internet should be accessible everywhere and the 35 cubicles are a mix of private and semi-private. Private cubicles are traditional with more storage and semi-private cubicles are desks with storage space and a large, shared worktable.

Because the Organization Resource Group initially sent contracts instead of applications, the deadline for everyone was extended until Oct. 31, Evans said.

Lucas has the final say in resolving any conflicts that could arise but doesn't expect any since there will be more space in the new student center. It is likely that any organization using space in Brady Commons will get space in the student center, Lucas said.

All groups in Brady Commons are being asked to have any non-essential items packed by Dec 1. Decisions about who goes where will be made Dec. 1 through Dec. 5.

Sarah Huebner of Mizzou Spirit said they plan on having all its members come in for a day to consolidate, archive and pack items.

MUTV/Channel 23 Assistant General Manager Marvel Da-Wariboko said they have to wait until the last minute to pack because they don't have much equipment they don't use on an everyday basis.

Mizzou After Dark Coordinator Sara Garner said the group started its moving effort over the summer by ordering fewer items and having a clean-up. She said the process has been fairly organized for a group move of such a large size but the process is frustrating because no group is in direct control of its space.

Some groups will be moving to Memorial Union North 214 during construction, including the Women's Center, the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, the Multicultural Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Resource Center.

LGBTQ Resource Center spokesman Zach Rose-Heim said the offices will re-open Nov. 1. It will eventually move to the new student center after phase two of the construction and renovation is complete in 2011. Rose-Heim said the offices will lose space during the move to Memorial Union because they'll be sharing one office, but they're excited because working together will get that much easier.