Southeastern students to see enhancements on campus
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 
by: Rene Abadie
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES AT SLU – Construction continues on the Science and Technology Building at Southeastern Louisiana University. The new building is expected to be ready by the fall semester of 2017. Other developments greeting students on their return to classes include construction of a new park and parking lot on Oak Street.
HAMMOND – Students who arrive at Southeastern Louisiana University for the start of
classes this week will be greeted with several changes to the campus landscape.
The newly renovated Student Union will see the re-opening of Popeye’s Fried Chicken
and a new “fresh grab and go” concept called The Marketplace located in the Student
Union next to the bookstore.
“Popeye’s has been a traditional favorite of students on campus, and our students
no doubt will be pleased to see it back in operation,” said Robin Parker, director
of Marketing and Strategic Services for Southeastern’s Auxiliary Services, “and more
than likely a few faculty and staff members too.”
The Marketplace, she explained will focus on fresh food, including fruit and
produce, prepared sandwiches, salads and wraps, Jamba Go Smoothies, as well as other
items.
Later in the semester, a new Subway Café is scheduled to open in Tinsley Annex.
Slightly different from a traditional Subway with expanded offerings, the restaurant
will serve as a meeting place and will feature the standard Subway menu as well as
various coffees and pastries with soft seating and inviting décor.
Meanwhile, construction continues on the $24.4 million science and technology
building on the southeast corner of the campus. The new building will be the primary
home of the university’s computer science and industrial technology programs. It is
expected to be ready by the fall semester of 2017.
In the same general area, the old tennis courts have been removed to make way
for a new passive recreation park. Currently lights are being installed and other
elements such as benches, picnic tables and bicycle racks are being added, thanks
to grant funding from the Student Government Association.
A new parking lot on North Oak and Dakota streets is nearing completion and is
expected to be ready early in the fall semester. The new lot will provide approximately
120 new parking spaces for upper class students.
In Garrett Hall, home of the College of Business, renovations include an expanded
lobby allowing additional space for students to study and work together on class projects.
Funded through private donations, the enhancements also include new furniture, flooring
and added lighting.
