Big Changes Are Underfoot in the Arkansas Union

Students, faculty and staff returning to campus will find things are a bit different in the Arkansas Union — from expanded space in RZs Coffee House and Club Red Store to a new floor in the former Connections Lounge. The union will also be busier this semester with more classes being held in the building.

Not everyone on campus is aware of the new Student Technology Center and the University Recreation Fitness Center being built in the Arkansas Union. The construction phase of these two facilities should be complete in mid-February with openings in March.

Union staff and construction crews have been working hard over the semester break to expand both RZs Coffee House and the Club Red Store. The glass walls of these two spaces have been moved out to the edge of the brick awnings on the east side of the Union.

Club Red will have a new look and two cash registers will be in operation to handle the influx of shoppers at certain times of the day. The store will also expand the number and types of items that can be purchased.

RZs Coffee House is also larger with the glass walls moved out to the brick awning. A permanent stage with sound system and lighting is being installed in the center of the new area against the east wall. When the stage is not being used for performances and programs it will have tables and chairs for sitting, visiting and enjoying a beverage.

The Connections Lounge is taking on a new look and a new name. The old brick flooring in the space has been removed and a concrete sub-floor has been poured. The floor will remain in this state until Spring Break when new tile, similar to the tile in the Living Room of the Arkansas Union will be installed.

Starting Thursday, Jan. 19, Union staff will be hanging flags from all of the countries that are members of the United Nations, creating the International Connections Lounge. A ticker display will also be installed with the word Welcome being displayed in many languages.

There will be a bit more traffic in the Union this semester as well. In the fall there were 38 hours of class being held in the Union. Some of the classes that had been held at Barnhill Arena are now being held in the Union, for a total of 54 class hours the Spring semester.

Other changes include the installation of three more water bottle filling stations through the building, as well as the introduction of a digital device charging station at the information desk. Students, faculty and staff can drop off their devices, such as a smartphone, iPad, etc…, and will receive a receipt for that device, similar to a coat check. The device will be charged for 30 minutes, for free, and then can be picked up by the owner. Devices left at the information desk will be taken to lost and found.