April 25, 2002-Vol33n26: Q&A

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 26

THURSDAY, April 25, 2002


	COSTANTINO

Andrea Costantino is director of student unions and activities

UB was without a student union for many years and it was a high priority to build one on the North Campus. Why are student unions so important to campus life?
Quite often a student union serves as the hub of campus activity. I would go as far as to argue that a student union is the community center of campus, serving students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Our union provides a venue for campus programming, activities, services and facilities that, when taken together, represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the college. In the early '80s, administrators on campus realized the importance a student center and how it could enhance student life on campus. In 1983, the Student Activities Center (SAC) was built the to address these campus needs. The SAC was designed to serve as a unifying force that could foster a sense of community that would cultivate enduring loyalty to the university. The building did just that for several years. However, in the early '90s, the campus came to realize that the SAC was not a sufficient size to realize the needs of our growing campus. In 1992, the SAC was expanded by more than 100,000 square feet and renamed the Student Union. We consider it the "hearthstone" or "living room" of the campus. Our building features a large open lobby with an atrium, information booth, lobby counter, recreational facilities, reservation rooms and a conference theater. In addition, the union provides a home for university departments, student governments, publications, Student Leadership Development Center, Commuter Lounge, Dining Services and more than 75 clubs and organizations. Mailboxes, ATM machines, lockers and a daily schedule of events are just a few of the services that are available to the campus community. It has become an integral part of the educational mission of the institution. As the center of the university community life, the union complements the academic experience through an extensive variety of cultural, educational, social and recreational programs. These programs provide the opportunity to balance course work and free time as cooperative factors in education. Our reservations department services more than 9,000 reservations each year, and at the last count, we found that more than 15,000 people walk through the doors each day.

Tell me about the Harriman Student Center.
Harriman Hall, the South Campus student center, was built in 1934 as the University of Buffalo's first student union, then called Norton Hall. Although it has undergone both physical and functional changes over the years, this landmark building continues to serve the South Campus in its original role as a center for student activities and craft programs, and as a home for some departments and academic research. The building provides the campus with public dining facilities; the Greenery, a sit-down restaurant; a "grand" lobby; ATM banking; lounge areas, and meeting space. After nearly two years of renovation and rehabilitation, Harriman now has an elevator that provides access to its three floors and basement. The renovation work also included a complete makeover of the exceptionally popular auditorium/multi-purpose room. This unique room is very much in demand, with concerts, dances and other special events being held there just about every weekend. University departments also use this room. In addition to the services and programs provided by the Office of Student Unions and Activities, Harriman provides space for Campus Parking and UB Card offices, the student-operated Off-Campus Housing Office, the Institute for Research and Education on Women and Gender, and the School of Social Work's Family Center.

The Student Union is approaching its 10th anniversary in the Fall. Any big plans in the works?
It's funny you ask this question. We are planning a few events and surprises in November. We hope to include the entire campus in our celebration of unity and tradition. It won't be a surprise if I give away too many hints. I would just suggest that you keep your eyes open for a fun-filled week of activities.

What is the mission of Student Activities?
Our mission in the Office of Student Activities is to support the academic goals of the university by providing educational, social and cultural activities and programs that are designed to enhance and maximize students' co-curricular educational opportunities. In other words, we try to give students an avenue to become involved in campus activities, develop interpersonal and leadership skills, explore new ideas and interests and, at the same time, enhance campus traditions. Through events such as September Welcome, Family and Homecoming Weekend, the office promotes a positive university environment that empowers students to interact and share common interests, heightens awareness and appreciation of cultural differences, encourages expression of ideas, inspires creativity, fosters opportunities for leadership development, broadens students' awareness and understanding of their social responsibility, and assists in retention of students leading to graduation. I would argue that a college education does not begin or end at the classroom door. Education and learning occur in all aspects of college life. The Office of Student Activities strives to be a teacher of students as they become involved in campus life and tradition. Student Activities creates educationally purposeful activities that will facilitate the development of the whole person.