The JSAC gets a glow up
By Caelyn Dockal | Staff writer
If you’ve walked through the Jaguar Student Activity Center (JSAC) during the first two weeks of fall-semester classes, you’ve probably noticed the construction floors, big, bulky equipment and areas blocked off for renovations.
The building, which first opened in 2006, is undergoing major renovations to bring a fresh, updated look to one of Augusta University’s busiest spaces.
The JSAC is getting a long-awaited makeover, and while construction has changed the campus flow, the changes have had only a limited effect on campus routines. Both the Reese Library and the food court have remained open, though some students have had to adjust to temporary hallway blockage or equipment in meeting spaces.
The university says these disruptions have been kept to a minimum and managed to make sure students still have access to the essentials.
“We want our Jaguars to have access to study hard, sit with friends and eat good food,” said ShaRon Dukes, assistant vice president of AU Student Life and Engagement and an adjunct faculty member.
The updates, funded by the JSAC student activity fee, will cover nearly every corner of the building, from the meeting rooms upstairs to the lounges and common areas.
“I feel like the renovations will make the JSAC feel a little more homey,” said Kayla Ward, junior art major from Atlanta. “It’s nice knowing we’ll have more places to hang out between classes, whether I’m grabbing food on the go or sitting down and relaxing. To hang out with friends or study, this seems like it'll be something good for the students.”
University leaders hope these improvements will transform the JSAC into a livelier, more welcoming hub that students can use not just to pass through between classes, but as a true community space.
“It’ll be nice to have somewhere that feels more updated and welcoming,” said Ansley Weathersbee, a sophomore early education major from Augusta. “My friends and I have always hung out at the JSAC, but I feel like this all will actually make people stay and spend more time here.”
Renovations aren’t limited to the JSAC. Starting this week, Reese Library began replacing furniture on its first two floors. The computer pods are being taken apart, with new furniture scheduled to arrive within the next week. Once the setup is complete, the computers will return. In the meantime, students who need computer access are encouraged to use the collabrative space on the second floor, the Health Sciences Campus Library, the Center for Writting Excellence or the computer lab on the first floor in the Allgood Hall.
The project is expected to wrap up by mid-September. Once completed, students can expect a refreshed JSAC that reflects the needs of today’s campus community.
The building, which has served as the central hub since its opening in 2006, has hosted everything from student organization fairs to late-night study sessions.
Now, nearly two decades later, the university hopes the renovations will breathe new life into the space and make it an even stronger cornerstone of student life.
Contact Caelyn Dockal at cadockal@augusta.edu.
The JSAC breezeway is having new flooring put in. The renovations should be completed in September. At the top of the page, a sign lets students know about the changes. (photos by Caelyn Dockal/the Bell Ringer)
