Student Center
Aug 2nd, 2006 by Br. Joshua
The Ryan Catholic Newman Center is blessed with a fairly large amount of indoor space reserved for student use. Located in the lower level of the building, areas are available for quiet study, private conversation, the occasional class, study group, or social, as well as recreation. It is worth noting that because many of the areas on this level are within earshot of the chapel, the noise-level is typically reduced, making for a somewhat more effective study space than even the campus libraries - or so we’re told.
Our conference room, which packs in about 50 or so, is where most meetings are held. Small tables are available for workspace at any time, but are especially put to use around exam times. Regularly held here are study and discussion groups, our college class on “Origins of Christianity”, and our monthly Friday feasts. Our student library includes a modest collection of works - roughly 700 - of a theological and spiritual bent. Mostly for a student’s personal research or edification, the collection focuses as far as possible on classics both of the older and newer variety, though reference material is also available for more in-depth study. Both the conference room and the library are equipped with computers that are internet-capable through our DSL network, which is set up for wireless connection as well; a printer is also connected for that last-minute paper!
Between the conference room and library may be found the student kitchenette, with a refrigerator, microwave, and electric oven and stovetop. Supplies for coffee and tea are regularly in stock, and snacks are available in the vending machines at the end of the hall. Lastly, the student lounge is the place for a bit of R & R after a long day (or a long night). Our big-screen television draws the crowds for weekend movies as well as football games (Go, Stillers!), or, if someone else is holding the remote, a light game of pool or foosball may suffice. Students should be warned, however, that sitting down for any substantial period of time in the comfy sofas and chairs may put their later engagements at risk!
