As students returned for the fall semester, a fixture on California University of Pennsylvania’s campus was transformed. The Natali Student Center, featuring everything from new food options, to new offices, and even floor tile, grew by more than 31,000 square feet since the beginning of last year.

    On the first level of the new building, both students living on campus and those commuting have new areas to rest and recharge during breaks between classes. The Heritage Lounge offers students an open area to get together, socialize, and even watch live musical performances. The Energy Zone, labeled by the university as the “home base” for commuter students, is a space students can use to charge their phones or a have a snack. Lockers are also available for students who wish to store their possessions while on campus. For student clubs looking to hold meetings, there are ten shared conference rooms available for reservation. Lastly, multiple pool tables, located in room 109, give students another avenue for unwinding during their downtime.

   In order to achieve the university’s goal of making the Natali Student Center the “hub of student life” at Cal U, the office of Student Affairs, the Women’s Center, campus ministries, and the Career and Professional Development Center have moved to the student center.

   Systems within the student center have also been improved   to match the increased usage of the building. Three new elevators have been added to the building. These can be found in the following locations: the hallway housing the media suite, the hallway housing the Women’s Center, and a loading dock elevator. Also, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the building have been upgraded and improved. The university also aimed to make walking areas more spacious in order to improve walking traffic flow.

    Food options for students have also been expanded and improved. The Food Court has been expanded, and Flatz convenience store is now three times larger. In terms of food preparation, glass walls let diners watch as chefs prepare meals made with fresh, local ingredients. A wood-smoked oven for pizza and barbecue dishes, a clay-lined tandoor oven for Asian cuisine, and a tortilla machine for quesadillas will add freshness and flavor to every meal.

      For students looking to get acclimated to the renovated student center, opening week ceremonies are being held from Sept. 7-12, highlighted by a live performance by 2015 “The Voice” runner-up Matt Schuler on Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m. in the Rotunda. A dedication ceremony is set for Sept. 16 at 2:30 p.m.