The African American Culture Center and the Women’s Center plan to reopen late next spring after the completion of construction which began early this year.
The $1.5 million expansion is still in progress and will almost double both centers’ square footage.
“We anticipate a March/April substantial completion,” said Emmett David, facility development director. “Weather and a utility conflict have required adjustment to the contractor’s time.”
The new African American Cultural Center will feature open reception and lounge areas, a multipurpose room, a conference room, six offices, a library and artifacts room, an open outdoor courtyard, a unisex dressing room, a work room and a kitchenette.
Niya Blair, coordinator of African American Student Affairs, told The Daily Reveille in February, “When we have the new center, we hope to host a national conference for the [Association for Black Cultural Centers].”
The new Women’s Center facility will house two state-of-the-art meeting rooms, a play room and breast feeding area for mothers, an expanded library and computer lab and a large classroom space.
“I am looking forward to the possibility of hosting a scholar-in-residence and doing cutting-edge research on issues related to gender,” said Catherine Hopkins, director of the Women’s Center.
Meanwhile, the centers have been relocated to rooms 307, 319, 323 and 325 in Hatcher Hall.
Blair said the AACC has adjusted to the temporary location well.
“We have some ways to go as far as increasing visibility,” she said. “We want to get more students to utilize the space.”
Hopkins said the Women’s Center plans to make itself known to current and incoming students through table sits in Free Speech Plaza, advertising in the media and collaborations with other campus departments and student organizations.
Though both centers are grateful for the opportunity to network with people and departments on another side of campus, the new space has presented challenges.
“Our space is no longer able to hold more than 10 people per room, and the center is not as easily accessible to our community partners because of the limited access to inner campus,” Hopkins said.
Blair said rethinking how AACC events like the Juneteenth Celebration will look has been an adjustment. Previously, events were held at the AACC, but now they are forced to host at other locations.
Both centers will continue to offer the same programs and services this fall.
The AACC will host its annual Umoja, “Welcome Back” program for returning and new students at the start of the fall semester. The AACC also plans to have its website completed before school starts, allowing students to check for programs and upcoming events.
“Students can still check out books, meet other students, use the computer lab and study and learn about African-American culture,” Blair said. “It is still a home away from home.”
Hopkins said the Women’s Center will continue to fulfill its mission of promoting the advancement of women’s issues and gender equity through services, advocacy efforts and educational programs.
“I am looking forward to the opportunities that a state-of-the-art facility can offer, such as providing classroom space, meeting space for student organizations and community groups and study [areas] for students,” she said.
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Contact T.N. King at [email protected]