UA officials believe the basement level of the Student Union Memorial Center is losing popularity, and they want the campus community to spend the next week giving ideas for improvement.
Anyone with a UA NetID can give suggestions until May 5 at midnight by taking a survey on www.union.arizona.edu.
The survey, which went online yesterday, asks a series of questions designed to gauge what aspects of the basement level students value, and which ones should be changed or replaced.
Participants are automatically entered to win a $15 gift certificate to the Cellar Restaurant and Lounge.
“”The space is being underutilized,”” said Nick Adamakis, director of marketing for the student unions. “”The survey is a starting point to find out what students want to see in the basement area, and it gives us direction to make changes in the future.””
The survey has students rate the food and atmosphere of the basement level, and leaves space for specific suggestions for improvement.
While no definite timetable has been set for the renovations, the first thing to be changed will be the menu of the Cellar Restaurant and Lounge, which will be thoroughly modified for the fall semester, Adamakis said.
“”We want to upgrade and re-think the food, and make it more reflective of what students really want,”” Adamakis said. “”Eight years ago, we surveyed students on what kind of food they wanted to see come to the Student Union, and the most popular choice was Panda Express. We think the trend today is more toward healthier options.””
The survey allows participants to vote the addition or expansion of live music, on-screen sports and large-screen video gaming. It also asks for input on existing services such as the computer lab and the Games Room.
“”I’d like to see more computers down there,”” said Devin Cuthbertson, a physiology sophomore.
Of all the proposed renovations, large-screen video gaming would draw the most students, Cuthbertson said.
The unions are working with the Associated Students of the University of Arizona to generate further ideas for using the space in upcoming semesters.
ASUA officials did not respond to calls seeking comment yesterday.
