The project to remodel the Rathskeller and the rest of the student center’s lower level was originally scheduled to begin towards the start of this year, yet due to the presidential debate, the renovations were pushed back to late November.
“There will be new booths, tables, chairs, stools and other places to sit and hang out … the new furniture will allow groups of students – including fraternity and sorority members – to gather together.” Houston W. Dougharty, vice president of student affairs, told The Chronicle back in April.
Early this semester, the Student Government Association (SGA) met with Dougharty to discuss SGA’s involvement with the upcoming plans to renovate the Rathskeller. SGA’s involvement had to be slightly modified as well, considering the renovations would no longer begin in September.
The renovations team is hoping for a grand opening in January, as they predict to have the Rathskeller finished by the start of the spring semester.
After having met with the Division of Student Affairs about the progress of the plans, SGA Vice President Whitney Shepard said, “We are excited to see the completed projects of both the Rathskeller and the Greenhouse, which we believe will provide new life into the lower level of the student center and become another prominent location for student life on campus.”
The renovations have been a controversial issue on campus. The groups most affected by the renovations will be Hofstra’s Greek life, Step Team and the gaming community.
Greek life felt threatened by the idea of the renovations as they have historically used “the Rat” as their meeting space. Shepard explained that she thinks, “the students, especially the Greek life community, will be very pleased with the renovations as the historical components of Greek life will still remain evident in the area, as well as providing a more collaborative space for student groups and organizations.”
The tables in the Rat – which have been claimed by and bare the markings of individual fraternities and sororities – will be removed and replaced by new booths.
Speaking on the delay of the project and the commencement of reconstruction, Dougharty expressed his gratitude, “We appreciate the patience of the many groups that use the lower level for being displaced during the construction time.”
Dougharty said that by the end of October, renderings of the redesigned Rat will be shared and posted on the University’s website.
Alexa Garcia, a freshman psychology major, said,“I’m ecstatic for the new renovations to the student center. I can’t wait for there to hopefully be new food options on campus.”
