Not just a Bookstore

Like CNU dining, the two-story CNU Bookstore has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis from its former location in the old Student Center, both in size and retail strategy. Pete Romando, director of bookstore operations, studied the demographics of the student population and designed the new space to offer a wider range of services and products.

According to Mr. Romando, students enjoy full mail and shipping services and benefit from a new computer center offering educationally discounted products; iPods, software and laptops are available at prices lower than those of major competitors. From the upscale convenience store he calls “our high-end 7-Eleven” to the cosmetics counter with CNU’s own brand of makeup, Mr. Romando has crafted a retail space that is unique, aesthetically beguiling and molded to fit CNU’s spirited image.

Work from local artists — pottery, paintings, handmade jewelry — is on consignment through a local artists’ consortium and is beautifully displayed throughout the store. Mr. Romando is particularly proud of the new fine arts section offering quality art supplies previously only available in Norfolk or Richmond. Best of all, pricing is tiered to fit students’ budgets. “Pricing is very affordable for the average student,” he said. “There is something for everyone.”

The textbook space is also highly adaptable. During book rushes, staff members can move cash registers wherever they are needed. The system is wireless, and everything is on wheels. During quieter times of the year, the textbook area can be used for meetings, book signings or even children’s readings.

What’s up?

Ascending the grand staircase to the second floor, one enters a spacious staging area for events leading to five large satellite meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities. Nearby, the light-filled boardroom with its balcony overlooks the Great Lawn and campus. The ballroom undoubtedly ranks as the most dramatic second-floor space. It achieves the “wow” factor for two reasons: it is one of the University’s most versatile spaces, and arguably its most beautiful. Two tiers of rectangular windows, soaring 24-foot ceilings and sky-blue walls set a grand stage for such occasions as the Captain’s Ball and weekend events. The ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 people.

The Association of College Unions International likens the Student Union to the “living room” of the campus. Nowhere is that better demonstrated than on the second floor of the David Student Union. Here students pick up their mail and spend quality down time in the TV lounge, enjoying PlayStation or X-Box tournaments in a specially designed room, playing pool or just unwinding in a variety of relaxed settings. Kim Roeder, director of student activities, embraces the “living room” premise and adds that one of the smartest decisions made regarding the Student Union was to house all the mailboxes there, requiring students to “de-cocoon” from residence life and enter a vibrant
social setting.

“We want people to come into the building,” Mrs. Roeder said. “This is the living room where you feel comfortable and meet your friends from across campus, where you get something to eat and study a little bit, where you can watch TV. It’s the place where students feel really comfortable. You have to get them in the building, and one of the ways to do that is through their mailboxes.”

Mrs. Roeder noted that face-to-face interaction has decreased significantly for students because of instant messaging, cell phones and iPods. “The Student Union will help them connect and develop those friendships and connections to keep them in college. Having a building with the sole purpose of bringing students together is really critical in today’s society.

No more runaround

To further that mission and to eliminate the “campus runaround,” the third floor was designed to cluster the offices that are essential to student life. Academic Advising, Career Development, Student Life and Services, judicial offices, and 35 eagerly awaited spaces occupied by student clubs and organizations are housed on the third floor.

“We’re going from nine to more than 30 offices, so it’s a tremendous increase in the number available to our student groups,” Mrs. Roeder said. She is also thrilled about the new student organization resource center, which offers students tools and resources to create fliers, brochures and posters. Available to all organizations, the center also has a copier and a computer with graphic design software. “The organizations were on their own before,” Mrs. Roeder said, “So this will be a big improvement for them. The center will be maintained by our office, and there’s funding to support it. We really hope the groups will take advantage of it.”

Lisa Burris, director of the Office of Career Development, cites the benefit of being neighbors with the Office of Academic Advising. “Often when students are torn about a major, they’ll leave Academic Advising with the intention of stopping by career services, but they may not always do so. Now, advising is right next door, and they’ll be able to help the students get to us or students can leave here and make an appointment with advising.”

The David Student Union also will help nurture relationships between CNU and area employers through the Office of Career Development’s heightened visibility and new interview rooms with online access. “The fact that we have interview rooms is an expectation of the employers, and it’s a nice, private environment for students to meet with them,” said Ms. Burris.

Donna Eddleman, dean of students, said that the new Student Union will enhance student services. “It’s about providing better quality services as well as opportunities for our students, and it’s about the synergy that’s created and the ideas that will be cultivated as a result of people being collocated. And that, for me, is really exciting.”

“I think we’re in for some very happy, excited students,” said Dean Eddleman. “They’re going to feel really good that they’re here, and feel valued and important. If that message extends beyond this community into their larger work and home communities, I think it will certainly have an impact on what people are saying about Christopher Newport University.”

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