Students might remember the recent closure of the Village Commons in Driscoll North for remodeling. DU claimed to give the area a makeover, but really only replaced the awful furniture and long cafeteria tables with different uncomfortable furniture.
The four-day closure of the Commons raised students’ hopes for the making of a spectacular student center.
When the remodel was unveiled, however, students realized the Commons retained the same lackluster appeal as before, masked only by new tables and chairs.
The Village Commons holds the student media center, a cafeteria, and also a “hang out” area for students between classes. With the unwelcoming atmosphere and lack of student services at convenient hours, the Commons does not welcome students in the way it claims to.
Poor interior design aside, the Village Commons barely serves its purpose on this campus. With open hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. most students have no way of utilizing the dining services due to their class schedule.
This year’s change in class time from odd to even hours makes it difficult to reach the Commons dining area before it closes
Eating lunch at 10:30 a.m. when the commons opens is one alternative, but let’s be honest: who is hungry for chicken fingers at 10:30 in the morning?
DU seems to have carelessly assigned the Commons open hours without considering any of the individuals who may utilize its services.
Perhaps 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. would better accommodate students for lunch and early dinner meals between and after campus activities.
If DU wants its students to feel that they have a student center in which to spend time, they must create a more user-friendly atmosphere with perks for students that reach beyond brightly colored chair pillows and limited culinary access.
Classes adjourning at 2 p.m. often release hungry students with few dining options on campus. Between the inability of off-campus students to eat at residence halls, soggy sandwiches and salads at Jazzman’s CafCB) and the greasy, expensive food at the Pub, students may be forced to eat home-packed string cheese and Cheerios for lunch several times per week.
A campus as well financed as the University of Denver should undoubtedly provide more consistent food sources for its students.
Anytime classes occur on campus, there should also be places to purchase meals and snacks, as nourishment has been shown to enhance the academic performance of students.
It is the duty of the university to provide campus services that students can count on, and feel positively about.
With more dining options on campus, or longer hours between the Village Commons, the Pub and residence hallcafeterias this University would be able to better accommodate university students.
