Student Opinions on the BCC Mid Level’s Renovations
By Sydney Schwenke
The middle level of the Boswell Campus Center (BCC), affectionately dubbed the “Mid.” has undergone several renovations and changes over the summer. Classes have been in session for weeks now, and University of the Cumberlands students are taking full advantage of all the Mid offers. Changes in seating, more space, a huge LCD panel TV, various game tables. and a light up photo opportunity are all a part of the Mid’s makeover.
Because of the TV and game tables, the Mid has become a much louder place. One can usually find students who want a place to spend time with friends talking and playing games. It is a safe space for those who want to have fun and stay out later at night or take a break in the middle of the day. However, there are many differing perspectives on the Mid’s fresh look. Most first-year students specifically have a different perspective than sophomores and upperclassmen who remember the way the Mid was before.
When asked about their opinions on the new renovations, freshmen say, “[they] love the TV [and] playing ping-pong with [their] friends.” Most freshmen “think it’s a fun environment” and that “[they’re] utterly and completely indifferent based on the fact that they’ll have no idea what it was like.” First year students have not experienced the Mid before the renovations that other students on campus have and, therefore, have no thoughts on the shift in mood. Students who have experienced the “old” Mid have varying opinions on the space’s new atmosphere than the freshmen.
Many upperclassmen say that “the new Mid is a good addition to campus only if the atmosphere of the old Mid can be found somewhere else. At the moment, it can’t.” Other sophomores explain that “[they] think that the new booths in the Mid aren’t good for an all-around study discussion.” The Mid has become an area where students can no longer go to study and relax because of the overstimulating noises and movement. The Mid used to offer a “mellow” atmosphere for students to both hang out with friends and study for class. Now, students must go to the library to find a quiet spot-on campus to study and hang out with friends.
Could taking away the Mid’s quiet atmosphere lead to a louder, more crowded library? The library could become overcrowded since many students have to find a new place to study. In previous years, the Boswell Campus Center and library have shared a unique relationship as students wishing for a more relaxed, yet studious environment would station themselves at the BCC. At the same time, those looking for a quiet, calm space would head to the library. By removing the calmer aspects of the Mid, students have become dependent on the library as the prime spot to study on campus. Students who wish to study feel their only option is the library.
Not all students on campus dislike the Mid’s new atmosphere, as many students say. “[they like it because it’s more open and inviting to have fun in the Mid and hopefully will make the library quieter.” While the library dedicates itself to giving students an environment to study. it ironically has a reputation for getting loud. Perhaps the renovated Mid will take away from the loudness of the library and return it to its status of a quiet place to study.
By having a specific place on campus for friends to hang out, the library and other pop-War study spots will retain their studious atmospheres. While the campus seems divided on the Mid’s new look, one thing is sure: the BCC has become the university’s version of a student center. This area has become the center of campus life for students and, as in years past, acts as the halfway point between the residential and academic sides of campus. Regardless of its appearance, this space will continue serving students in the future.
