The Holmes Student Center serves as an iconic part
of the Northern Illinois University and DeKalb skyline.
The imposing 16 story tower remains the tallest building in DeKalb county
and encompasses nearly 8 acres at the core of campus.
But, while the physical size represented by the Holmes Student Center,
or HSC as it's affectionately known, is imposing,
one of the most important things to remember is that this space is more than a building.
Student Centers, or Student Unions, have served as critical component
of educational and community building mission
of higher education for nearly 150 years.
Northern Illinois University recognizes this,
and is actively revitalizing this living room of campus
by renovating both the physical space
and organizational structure to better serve campus.
Northern Illinois University is placing students
back at the heart of the Holmes Student Center.
Work to improve the Holmes Student Center began in 2014,
with a campus wide effort to energize central campus,
outline a master plan to make physical improvements to critical student resources
and invest in more retail and service options for the campus community.
This intensive planning process solicited input
from countless students, faculty and staff,
explored best practices throughout education
and explored aspirational University unions and student centers around the country.
The result for the Holmes Student Center was a multi-year, multi-phase plan
to make the HSC a deeply student centered community that reflects
and strengthens the NIU identity and values
and places student learning and success at the heart of this program.
The first phase of this exciting physical renovation will focus on offering:
an inviting sunlit community lounge opening onto the MLK Commons,
re-envisioned dining options for students,
such as a sports grill/Huskies Den entertainment space,
a Starbucks, a convenience store, and more.
a world-class universities Bookstore, offering technology, Huskie Gear
and affordable course material options,
And significantly improved way finding and accessibility.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the phase one of the physical renovation
is the return of the Student Association,
the Campus Activities Board and many critical Student Life functions
to reside within the Holmes Student Center.
Encompassing nearly a third of the ground floor,
this hub of Student Life will offer student leaders
and student organizations a cutting edge home base
with external corridors providing space to highlight events and activities
including offices, a tabling corridor, collaborative meeting locations,
as well as programming and training space.
Not only is returning Student Organizations and Student Life to the Holmes Student Center
consistent with national best practices,
it also reflects the original mission and intent of the facility.
Dedicated in 1961, the HSC, or University Center as it was then know,
was intended to replace the much smaller, run down Student Union on College Avenue.
Intended to serve the growing enrollment of over 10,000 students,
the Center opened its doors in the fall of 1962 to an enthusiastic university community,
offering resources for students such as the university bookstore,
three food service areas, large rooms for student meetings,
an auditorium, and a recreation hall with bowling alleys and billiards.
Then President, Leslie Holmes, wanted the University Center
to become a focal point for Northern, the "hearthstone" that everyone could share equally.
He envisioned it as having a unifying force for students
that would hold the university community together as the school grew larger and larger.
A variation of today's Campus Activities Board,
the University Center Board guided policies, programming and services for the new space.
Reflecting a student/staff partnership
that sought to ensure that while the University Center unites all,
it was providing entertainment, services and community desired by students.
Just as the newly renovated physical space was guided by campus input and best practices,
providing student leaders a new home,
strengthening their connection to the Holmes Student Center
and providing retail and dining options they desire,
the Holmes Student Center of the near future
will ensure it is in alignment with national best practices.
The Association of College Unions International,
or ACUI, is a professional association connecting staff and students
who support student centers and student life programs around the world.
ACUI has agreed upon the role of the college union,
which outlines who best unions and student centers
should positively impact students and community.
"The college union advances a sense of community,
unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students,
faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.
We bolster the educational mission of the institution
and the development of students as lifelong learners
by delivering an array of cultural, educational, social,
and recreational programs, services, and facilities."
By any form or name, we serve as the heart of the campus community
and create a welcoming environment by,
operating as a student-centered organization
that engages in shared decision making
and holistic development through employment and involvement.
Advocating for inclusivity and equity,
fostering respect, and affirming the identities of all individuals.
Educating students in leadership and social responsibility
and offering firsthand experiences in global citizenship.
Providing gathering spaces to encourage
formal and informal community interactions
that build meaningful relationships.
Traditionally considered the living room,
the college union enhances the student experience
and cultivates an enduring connection to the institution.
This brief video, produced by ACUI,
portrays how student centers like the Holmes Student Center,
live out the Role of the College Union.
As time passes, staff and student leaders
are hard at work advancing the renovation
of both the physical space and organization of the Holmes Student Center.
Throughout this multi-year process, one core mission remains:
placing students back at the heart of the Holmes Student Center.
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