2008 Woodie Awards
Campus pub has growth opportunity
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Opinion
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University administrators are constantly in serious discussions about increasing enrollment and retention, with most ideas centering on improving or increasing athletics, on-campus living arrangements and financial aid. As an institution of higher learning, UST should be concerned with fulfilling students' educational, personal and social needs. Efforts have long been made to improve the development of the latter of those requirements, including the creation of many on-campus groups aimed at promoting a social environment by sponsoring regular on-campus events. Although many such events are offered on campus, it is no secret that they are often sparsely attended.
Now, the Student Government Association is discussing the option of adding an on-campus pub, an idea that has long received intermittent support by loosely formed student groups. This idea, while not new, does represent a fundamental shift in UST's social culture and offers many benefits to the University as a whole.
Having a student-run business on campus (much like the Mug coffee shop, which closed in 2003) offers an excellent opportunity for the business school and also provides an opportunity for students interested in advertising, marketing and public relations.
Additionally, a pub could serve not only as a gathering place, but also as a venue for students to meet other UST community members. Many clubs and organizations are tailored to underclassmen and residential students, but a pub would appeal more to upperclassmen, graduate and nontraditional students, and would also help bridge the gap between dorm residents and commuter students.
An on-campus bar would provide an important connection to the outside community. Non-student patrons would assist the University by providing business and making UST more visible. As an open campus, the University strives to incorporate the surrounding community by holding open lectures and events. A pub would provide another outlet for interaction between the school and community residents.
Now, the Student Government Association is discussing the option of adding an on-campus pub, an idea that has long received intermittent support by loosely formed student groups. This idea, while not new, does represent a fundamental shift in UST's social culture and offers many benefits to the University as a whole.
Having a student-run business on campus (much like the Mug coffee shop, which closed in 2003) offers an excellent opportunity for the business school and also provides an opportunity for students interested in advertising, marketing and public relations.
Additionally, a pub could serve not only as a gathering place, but also as a venue for students to meet other UST community members. Many clubs and organizations are tailored to underclassmen and residential students, but a pub would appeal more to upperclassmen, graduate and nontraditional students, and would also help bridge the gap between dorm residents and commuter students.
An on-campus bar would provide an important connection to the outside community. Non-student patrons would assist the University by providing business and making UST more visible. As an open campus, the University strives to incorporate the surrounding community by holding open lectures and events. A pub would provide another outlet for interaction between the school and community residents.