Of all the facilities on a university campus, the student center plays a singular role. It’s the heart of campus life, a venue for activities, and the students’ “living room.” And thanks to a vote on the Coral Gables campus, there will be a new Student Activities Center and a renovation of the Whitten University Center, built in 1965.

In March students approved a referendum to help fund the construction project, and beginning in the fall of 2009, students will pay an additional $150 fee per semester toward the effort. Up to $40 million of the cost for the center will be generated by this fee, with remaining funding to be secured through the Momentum campaign and other funding sources.

“This facility will play an important role in allowing our students to become more involved, to participate fully in campus life and leadership opportunities that will enhance the undergraduate experience,” says Patricia Whitely, vice president for student affairs. “It will bring together undergraduate, graduate, and law students with faculty, staff, alumni, and guests to create a true sense of campus community.”

The new student life complex will be a highly accessible hub of activity. Housed under one roof, student organizations of all kinds will be able to share resources, offer joint programs, and benefit from the synergy that comes from close proximity. Among its features: a 10,000-square-foot Student Organization Suite of offices for student groups, plus conference rooms and workspace; a large multipurpose room adaptable for banquets, lectures, or dance practices; indoor and outdoor dining facilities; a fully equipped media center for WVUM Radio, Ibis yearbook, and The Miami Hurricane; a 400-seat auditorium/theatre; an expanded Rathskeller; and computer and production facilities.

The new Student Activities Center will be located along Lake Osceola, extending from the Miller Drive campus entrance to the Whitten University Center and its Stanford Drive access.