The Daily Gamecock

'I think it definitely needs expanding': Students weigh in on Russell House renovation plans

<p>FILE - The outside of Russell House, the university’s student union, on March 13, 2024. The proposed upgrades to Russell House will accommodate the growing number of students at the university.</p>
FILE - The outside of Russell House, the university’s student union, on March 13, 2024. The proposed upgrades to Russell House will accommodate the growing number of students at the university.

USC’s board of trustees has approved a number of renovations coming to campus in the last few months, including expansions within Russell House.

These renovations include taking out parts of the Russell House bookstore to make room for more dining space and expanding its third floor.

President Michael Amiridis said the university is thriving, and these changes are indicative of that at a board of trustees meeting on Sept. 27. 

The Daily Gamecock asked 40 students how they felt about these renovations to campus. None of the students had any prior knowledge of the Board's renovation approvals. After being told about the upcoming expansions to dining space as well as to the 3rd floor of Russell House, 30 students had a positive outlook on the updates. Four students expressed that they had no opinion, while six said they felt it was not needed. 

“I think (Russell House needs) some more restaurants, but I don’t have any problems with the building itself," said fourth-year neuroscience student Samuel Richardson.

Almost every student was open to the changes to the student union. A couple of students had heard some rumors about changes to the student union in the near future.

“I know there’s been a lot of talk about having a new student union, maybe starting (in) the next few years," said second-year political science student Jeffrey Lyons. “I would be looking forward to see some changes and seeing that come to fruition.”

botstory.png

Some students also said Russell House can get congested at times, so expansion would be beneficial.

Third-year biochemistry student Derek Wright said it can be hard to get food in Russell House on occasion.

"I think it definitely needs expanding," said Wright. "There's a lot of traffic, especially around lunchtime. It's hard to get food in a timely manner and get to class." 

Other students, like first-year political science student Paityn Tumblin, said having more space in the student union would help new students who spend a lot of time in there.

“I think that it gets really crowded in there, so it’ll be nice to have more room," said Tumblin. “Especially because I eat most of my meals in there as a freshman.”  

Second-year sport and entertainment management student Dylan Cobb looked to the future and said these additions will be beneficial for future Gamecocks.

“I had no clue that they were making any (renovations)," Cobb said. “But I think it’ll be great for the next generation of students.”  

Despite most students feeling positive about these new updates to Russell House and campus, some feel that the student union is big enough to accommodate students now.

Six students expressed that they feel these renovations are not needed.

“I feel like Russell is big enough for everyone,” said second-year management student Dan Athanasio. “I feel like the bookstore is needed a lot.

More students are overall open to seeing some changes coming to Russell House in the future. Scott Verzyl, vice president for enrollment management, said that USC takes pride in its growing enrollment.

"We are proud of our continued enrollment growth, particularly our success in attracting new students from across the state," said Verzyl at a board of trustees meeting on Sept. 25. "This growth underscores the unique opportunities and exceptional education that USC offers to all students.” 


Comments