Maddi O’Neill
Editor in Chief
After months of renovations, the College Underground (UG) officially reopened on the weekend of April 1.
The revamped UG includes a new paint job, lighting system, sound system and six flat-screen televisions, according to Administrative Director of Student Life Angela Johnston. New stools and high top tables have also been purchased for the pool table area.
The UG has been closed for the renovations since the beginning of fall semester.
In addition to the changes to the space, questions over who would oversee the UG contributed to the prolonged closure.
Those questions have been resolved for the remainder of the school year — according to Johnston, the UG’s operations will temporarily be supervised by employees of the JAFB Wooster Brewery, with guidance from Assistant Director of Student Activities Julia Zimmer.
“The two JAFB employees have been hired to work with the UG,” said Zimmer. “I will be working with them as they learn how the UG and College operate. They will be at every event held in the UG along with the student staff. They are handling the basic day-to-day operations of the facility.”
This plan for oversight of the UG may change next year.
“A staffing structure for next year is one of the decisions that will be left to the new VP/ Dean of Students,” Johnston said.
The UG will not be considered a party space, but it will be available for reservation by groups when other events are not already scheduled. Groups who wish to host parties will be required to meet with Zimmer to schedule events through a process that differs from the party registration process.
“This is not something that can be done through Connect Daily,” Zimmer said. “Students can work with me directly on the scheduling of any events.”
The UG will also be home to a number of WAC events, including bingo, comedy shows, trivia nights and dance parties, as well as events like Covers.
“The renovations will allow us to continue to branch out with the types of programs we offer,” said Zimmer. “Now, we can offer more programming options. For example, we want students to be able to watch sporting events or other events on our TVs. We want students to be able to have game nights where good lighting is needed, enjoy pool at a Happy Hour, to enjoy awesome music on the new sound system.”
The UG has kept its alcohol permit, and will continue to sell beer on draft and in bottles, Johnston said.
Johnston said the opening of the UG was delayed by renovations that had to be made after a fire inspection.
“The inspector recommended several changes for safety reasons that included new exit doors in several locations as well as redesign of the front entry of the space,” she said. “Redesign required removing several walls, rebuilding a new check-in station, and installing double-doors to create a larger, safer space for emergency exiting.”
The reopening of the UG will take pressure off WAC and other groups that have struggled to find homes for their events during the closure.
“It will be exciting to have small concerts and comedy back in an environment that showcases the unique artists we are able to bring to campus”, said WAC President Sophie Nathanson.
“I think the renovations to date are a great improvement; however, there is more that can be done to fully utilize the potential of the space to serve students,” said Johnston.