An ongoing goal for Marquette Student Government is exploring the possibility of a completely revamped Rec Center, which would include not only new facilities but also add-ons such as a juice bar or cafe.

MUSG President Henry Thomas and Vice President Stephanie Stopka emphasized the importance of this serving as more than just a place for students to exercise at a presentation to the Space Committee last Monday and also at last Thursday’s meeting.

The purpose of the presentation was to raise awareness of how far Marquette has fallen behind other universities in terms of health and wellness. According to Thomas, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, a new recreational facility would reflect the university’s commitment to care for the whole person.

“We have 3,000 people coming through our current facility on a daily basis, but we could attract a lot more if we would have more comfortable space where students can work out for an hour and study for an hour if they choose,” said Stopka, a senior in the College of Business Administration.

Four years ago, Marquette University created a sub-committee of the Space Committee called The Committee on Space for Student Organizations and Recreation. Its purpose was to address student needs by imposing long or short-term plans as needed. Since the need for a new recreation and wellness center has only received short-term attention, MUSG has now resurrected the issue in order to establish permanent, long-term plans.

“The issue has been ongoing, but the need to address it has intensified with an increase of the student population and an increase in usage. So now we’re readdressing it again to see what the university has done to prepare ourselves for future plans,” Thomas said.

Thomas said MUSG felt the Space Committee truly listened to its future planning ideas, such as increased gymnasium space and improved student wellness programs.

Stopka reminded senators that any and all opinions regarding the proposed new plans for the recreational center are welcome and encouraged.

For the next step, Thomas said MUSG would like to make a proposal to fund a feasibility study. In this study, architects would create possibilities and models based on a given budget, available space and student requisites. He said funding this study would allow MUSG to manage future decisions.

“This way, we can ensure the status of the project continues to make headway and move forward,” he said. “By no means are we saying we expect this to be built tomorrow, but if in two or three years from now we have enough money to build a center, then we have a plan ready.”

In other meeting news:

• The Senate heard from Pi Beta Phi representatives Kristina Halley and Lindsay Swanson. Halley said Pi Beta Phi wished to extend its thanks for MUSG’s co-sponsorship of “T.A.K.E. At Marquette,” a defense training program for women, on Saturday, Feb. 13.
• Senator Bill Doerrer said the business and administration committee will continue to work with the Counseling Center on the possibility of extending the allotted one semester of free counseling for all students.
• Legislative Vice President Adam Tandez decided to move the due date for the Student Organization Allocation committee applications to Wednesday, Feb. 10. This decision tables the election for the SOA position for the second week in a row. Tandez, a senior in the College of Nursing, said his rationale was out of fairness to the organizations. Since only one application was received last week, one more week will ensure that all senators have the opportunity to evaluate the position in conjunction with their schedules.