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New student lounge offers relaxing environment by Cindy Abole Public Relations Finding a spot to eat lunch or relax with friends has just improved for MUSC students on campus with the opening of a new student lounge.  Located in room 101 in the first floor of the Library/Administration Building, the student lounge is accessible, relaxing and open for business. Robin Young, left, and Kriya Reuter, Student Program coordinators, prepare the new student lounge. The idea was the result of  the campus’ growing need for space dedicated for students to congregate and  relax.  “For the past year, I’ve heard many complaints that there wasn’t enough space for students on campus to eat lunch and just relax,” said Gregg Johnson, MUSC Student Government Association president. “With the Basic Science Building shutting down its main lobby, this need has increased.” This need got the attention of MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D.; Valerie West, Ph.D., interim dean of student life; and John Sutusky, Ph.D., vice president for the Division of Finance and Administration. With the success of the library’s 24/7 Room and its close proximity to campus, leaders wanted to provide additional study and leisure space for students to meet their needs. “Outside the Harper Student Center there is no general student lounge space available on campus,” said Sutusky. “With the Library/Administration Building located in the heart of campus and most convenient, Dr. Greenberg and other colleagues were only too happy to allow it to be renovated and used for the benefit of the student body.” The group worked together with Denise Beres, of planning and special projects, Student Services director Robin Hardin and representatives from Physical Plant. Like the 24/7 Room, they wanted to ensure its accessibility any time. The room is secured and accessible through a proximity card access system monitored by the Office of Public Safety.  The 800-square foot area consists of a main lounge area complete with modular chairs and sectional sofas, work tables, chairs, desk and floor lamps. A separate room is outfitted as an independent study area, while a larger room has several dining tables, chairs and a microwave. Pictures and artwork adorn the walls while silk arrangements and foliage complete the relaxed and open environment. Future plans call for the lounge to include a television and desktop computer with Internet-capability for students to access e-mail. “Dr. Greenberg desired a place where students could study recognizing the success but limited space of the 24/7 Room,” Sutusky said. “The result is somewhat of a compromise. This student lounge will be a place where students can relax and enjoy their lunches, or find a spot to do some leisurely studying.” “We’re thrilled at the prospect of having this room ready for students to use,” said Beres, citing the resourcefulness of acquiring furniture and other necessities from the university for this project. “It meets an overwhelming need for students to gather, eat and relax. It’s something many people have waited for.”   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.