Computer lab replaces Union Studios

The glow of computer screens has replaced the darkroom in the Indiana Memorial Union.

The construction of a new computer lab in the IMU caused the summer and fall closure of the Union Studios, a ceramic and photography workspace, which included a darkroom.

IMU Executive Director Bruce Jacobs said the plans for the Union Studios are now “completely on hold.”

“We clearly heard that having more computer space was high priority to students,” Jacobs said.

The new computer lab will be located adjacent to the Back Alley in the Union, which was the studio’s former location.

Jacobs said the grand opening will be Sept. 16.

John Bower, coordinator of indoor recreation at the IMU, said part of the focus was to “dedicate more space to student use” because the “bulk of the ceramic memberships were used by non-IU students.”     
Jacobs added that the Union had discussed the possibility of relocating the Union Studios to the former Grad Pad of the IMU. The Grad Pad was located near IU Outdoor Adventures and closed July 1.

He said the Union will study the concept of re-opening the Union Studios throughout the semester, once the computer lab is finished. The Union will look at whether or not there is a need for the studios.

Bower said that there were normally about 42 people in ceramics classes each semester, with 35 people holding ceramic memberships. In addition, about 15 people took photography classes and only three or four used the darkroom.

Although Jacobs said he expects the conversation about the studios to begin around mid-semester, he said there is no timetable.

He added that if the Union decides to re-open the studios, spring 2010 would be the earliest that could occur.

Students said they are split about the use of the Union Studios’ space.

Freshman Drew Householder said he thinks the computer lab is an upgrade and will be more useful than the Union Studios.

Freshman Ken Weber, however, said he thinks the studios are “a good thing to have for everyone,” although he would personally not use the space.

Freshman Elizabeth Nash added that she thinks the Union should work on both the computer lab and re-opening Union Studios at the same time.

“The priority was the new computer lab,” Bower said. “The Union does not have the staff to do two projects at once.”