Bernhard Center Renovation
Construction is now complete at the Bernhard Center of the new student organization office area, and building access corridor. The newly refurbished space is located on the north side of the building near the Hoeke/Bigelow dining entrance, and provides student organizations with modern collaboration spaces, and easier access to programs and services.
Take a sneak peek at the new RSO office area!
Construction timeline
• RSO office completion: September 2009
• SALP administration move: October 2009 (tentative)
RSO offices
The new area will serve as office space for Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) and Student Activities and Leadership Programs (SALP). Modeled after a traditional student union, student organizations will have community work-spaces and convenient access to programs and services.
WMU students are excited about the new collaborative spaces, and were an integral part of the planning process last fall. Student committees gave input on the design elements, features, and the overall proposal, plus student focus groups reviewed the design concepts.
This is a major improvement for student organizations, and it will encourage greater interactions, synergy and visibility for all RSO’s. There will be private office spaces where students can work independently, or groups can gather and interact with each other in public reception areas.
Access corridor
To streamline building access, a new corridor connects the Bernhard Center front entrance to the north doorway adjacent to the student organization center. Pedestrians are able to walk through the center of the building from the front to the back, without walking around the outside of the building. This gives students easier access to the new office space and the Hoekje/Bigelow dining room.
Sustainable technology
The new student space is an efficient center for campus life utilizing the latest in modern sustainable technology including:
- Energy efficient lighting
- High efficiency heating and cooling ventilation
- Indoor air quality management plan and fresh air ventilation
- Automated systems with digital controls and occupancy sensors
- High performance windows
Additionally, the facility features natural daylight and indirect lighting to minimize glare. Building materials utilized recycled content and wood products from certified sustainable sources, and all old materials will be recycled including concrete, masonry, metals, wood and cardboard.
