Proposed Pub and Grill Excites Students

Students eager to further their social experience at California State University, Stanislaus may have a chance to vote in the fall on whether or not to start construction on a pub and grill, which is slated to be built in the former bookstore. If approved, construction will begin within three years. The Associated Students Inc. conducted a student survey concerning future on-campus projects in 2007. The greatest interest was in the possibility of having a a pub and grill on campus. ASI has hired an architect and is currently gathering background information on project designs and potential costs.

"Our university student union is doing some research on a possible renovation and extension of our current building," said ASI's Assistant Director Cesar Rumayor. Though the demand for such a facility has been voiced for some time, Cesar admits that they are "barely scratching the surface."

The possible construction of a pub and grill is an answer to concerns expressed by students over the lack of social involvement on campus. Many believe the environment a pub and grill would create might change that. One of those students is Kris Hooton, a junior at Stanislaus, who has been longing for an addition such as a pub and grill to the campus scene since his freshman year of college.

"There's nothing to be proud of, nothing to do, it's boring," said Hooton. "The only thing our campus has is ducks."

Hooton, a former bartender, believes that the pub and grill would pay for itself both financially and socially. One of the payoffs students are looking forward to is an environment with a controlled demographic. Students wishing to enjoy a drink with some friends could avoid the local bar scene Turlock has to offer and interact with fellow students.

"It would be a great way to meet college girls and avoid the older people and other locals," said Mitchell Medeiros, a student on campus.

The majority of students interviewed expressed support for the construction. Though there were many positive reactions conveyed by students about the pub and grill, some were wary of increased student fees. A number of students cited the current economic state while others referenced the delayed completion of the sports facilities as reasons they might be opposed to additional construction on campus.

"How are they going to build a pub when they haven't even finished the stadium and recreation center on time?" asked student Lloyd Russell.

"Our campus may be viewed as a party campus. People needed to handle it responsibly," Hooton said.

Despite the few concerns there is a shared sense around campus that the issue will be voted on and passed by students in the 2009 fall semester.

The effects a bar and grill would have on campus safety are not yet known. Numerous attempts to contact campus police for comment were unsuccessful. Victoria Gottberg recalled her experience at CSU Long Beach, which has a pub named The Nugget, and said she didn't foresee any major problems surfacing at Stanislaus due to a pub and grill.

"I think it would just keep people on campus later and give them something to do instead of drinking at houses or driving to bars and clubs," said Gottberg.

With nothing but the student's approval standing in the way of construction, ASI and its members will continue their organization and planning efforts.

"We're doing our homework," said Rumayor. "We plan on working on it all spring semester and during the summer.