In response to student feedback, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is making many renovations at the Donaghey Student Center over the summer to transform the DSC into a more inviting space for students to meet, eat, play, and study. 

“We have listened to your ideas for improving the DSC, and I think you will be pleased with what you find this fall,” Chancellor Andrew Rogerson said. “We are currently in the process of creating more multipurpose areas, including gathering and gaming spaces. We’re also remodeling the entryway on the west side of the DSC and creating more student lounge space for your activities.”

With the eStem High School students now dining on the second floor of Ross Hall beginning in the fall, students can take advantage of extra lounge and eating spaces throughout the DSC with many changes come to UA Little Rock Dining Services.

Outside of the continuous dining area, a new lounging and dining space with open seating for more than 175 people will be available. This open seating area will be accessible to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors and does not require the purchase of a meal to gain entry. Some new seating options in the continuous dining and open seating area will contain plugins for students to charge their electronic devices.

“The focus is on making it a student-friendly area. It’s a great space for popup dining and class projects. It will serve as an excellent spot for friends to gather for a meal, for students to meet to work on class projects, and for students and faculty members to come together,” said Doug Britt, general manager of UA Little Rock Dining.

A bigger and better Meeting Room G will also open in the fall with more seating than before. The meeting room will be accessible through the cafeteria or an outside entrance for people coming from the south end of campus.

Students can also look forward to a new Starbucks coming to campus next year. The restaurant will be located in the quad on the back side of the Old Student Union A building with a patio seating area facing Cooper Fountain and is scheduled to open on Jan. 20, 2020.

On the east side of the DSC, upgrades will include the creation of multipurpose and recreational student-gathering spaces where students can watch television and movies, play e-games, and have fun with pool tables and foosball. The new gaming and lounge  areas will be open several nights a week for the exclusive use of students and student organizations.

“Students will be coming back to a Donaghey Student Center with a different, more inviting look,” said Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, vice chancellor for student affairs. “These improvements are about transforming the area into more student-accessible spaces that will give students more reasons to hang out in the student center.”