Though news of the conversion of The Globe has been under speculation for some time now, the issue of how best to utilize the space is still underway. This year, students Kate Cummings ('10), Stella Pfau ('12), and Paul Dixon ('10) began working to convince the administration to give students the opportunity to develop an alternative proposal to the Barnes & Noble proposal, which would basically expand the Tiger Pantry and offer coffee and ice cream. The group believed that students could come up with a better plan. From this, an independent study developed to look into possible ways of using the space. Current students in the study are Mary Kennon Woodson ('11), Allie Braund ('12), Peter Kennedy ('13), and Robert Rosamond ('13).
Recently, the group initiated a survey to see what the students wanted in the space. Of all the students surveyed, 71% said that they wanted the space to remain designated for food and 63% wanted a fresh, local food market. Many people also left comments saying that they wanted to be able to use their flex dollars there. Right now, the group is working in the direction of creating a market for a variety of students. It would be centered on health food, but it would have things for people that are in the mood for something else also.
The option they are considering "the most at this point is Aramark's 'Pod', which is a campus grocery store that can be personalized for the University. It has worked at three other colleges so far. We have been told that we will be able to get local produce, and choose the products that the students will most likely buy, which will be predominantly organic and healthy. We also think a lounge area would be good to add because a couple of couches can make a world of difference. We have gone through a number of ideas like partnering with Blue Chair or Greenlife, but it seems to us that the administration would more readily accept our ideas if it is with Aramark. This way we can make both the students and the administration happy, which means that our proposal would most likely be accepted when we present it on February 22nd-but nothing is definite," according to Braund.
Each of the participating students has a different focus such as artistic designs, economics, etc. Allie comments, "We all have our niche, but there isn't anything that is done without the entire group having some hand in it. Like, when I sketch a layout for the space, I will bring it to the group meeting and we will all talk about it." The group is meeting twice a week until they have to present the proposal later this month. Faculty such as Dan Backlund and the Deans are also involved in aiding these students.
Currently, the Aramark Pod is still under discussion and might not be the final proposal the group chooses. However, the group is hopeful about their chances in convincing the administration to adopt whatever proposal they ultimately choose.
Be the first to comment on this article!