Expanded Programs At The Hub For Students

10-4-96

University Park, Pa. --- Penn State students now have a place to study all night long and enjoy additional alcohol-free social programs on the weekends at the Hetzel Union Building, thanks to an initiative led by Undergraduate Student Government.

USG and the University's Offices of Student Affairs and Housing and Food Services have developed a plan that provides weekday 24-hour staffing, limited food services, and late-night weekend activities, staffing and food services.

"We are excited about working in partnership with the University in this new initiative," said USG Vice President Ed Kilpela. "After many months of discussions, we are pleased to announce these options for students for places to study or to socialize in an alcohol- free environment."

University President Graham Spanier said, "I am delighted that our student leaders have succeeded in developing a plan to provide expanded student programming in the HUB. This is a positive step in Penn State's efforts to give students healthy, but fun alternatives to attending events where alcohol is the focus."

Beginning this week, the ground floor of the HUB, which is the main student center at the University Park campus, remains open 24 hours for students to study or to hold meetings. The 24-hour schedule will be held Sundays through Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters.

In conjunction, starting Sunday, Oct. 6, The Cellar, a HUB eatery, will stay open until 11 p.m., and another eatery, Dough-to-Go, will operate from 11 p.m. through the following morning during the same weekdays.

On Oct. 19, USG, in coordination with various other organizations, is planning to kick off the Friday and Saturday weekend activities on the first floor of the HUB, as well as the extended ground floor hours for student use.

Kilpela says that USG will sponsor or co-sponsor with other student organizations a wide range of events such as acoustical music, jazz, folk singers, open mike, movies, comedians, etc.

The programming will be made possible by working with the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Councils, Association of Residence Hall Students, Student Organization Budget Committee, Asylum, and University Concert Committee.

"The idea is to schedule activities throughout the first floor of the HUB and keeping the ground floor open until 2 a.m. and the building will close at 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays," said USG President Sharon Entenberg. "A number of student groups already have scheduled events in the HUB Ballroom, and we hope to work with them to expand their programming until 2 a.m."

In addition, The Cellar will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays until 3 a.m., providing its regular menu.

The additional staff will be funded by the University's Student Affairs and Housing and Food Services offices.

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EDITORS: For additional information, contact USG Vice President Ed Kilpela or President Sharon Entenberg at (814) 863-1874.