UC lounge opens tomorrow

By Jesse Mays
The Flat Hat

Late tonight, the construction in the basement of the University Center is scheduled to be completed, just in time for the scheduled opening tomorrow, according to Bob Knowlton, UC director.

The finished product will be a large recreation and lounge area for students.

"The basic idea is for it to be a hang-out area for students," Knowlton said. "There will be a variety of games. There are three full-sized pool tables ... [pin] ball machines, air hockey, televisions, email kiosks and a lot of lounge furniture."

The construction, which started immediately after Commencement in May, caused some confusion in the way students accessed their mail during the summer. Approximately 300 mailboxes were blocked by the renovations. These mailboxes were made accessible to students and student organizations Tuesday.

Students unable to reach their mailboxes had to receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service window during post office hours.

Additionally, all students were required to follow a detour to get to the post office.

However, most students were able to retrieve their mail without any problem.

According to Rich Sears, manager of the campus post office, students were understanding during the final stages of UC renovation.

Sears said even those students who were initially able to receive mail only during post office hours have not felt sorely inconvenienced.

"Students have been really personable; they haven't given us any real problems," Sears said.