Focus groups measure thoughts on AU shops
Throughout the past week, focus groups of different members in the AU community were invited to discuss what business services they would like to see on campus and their satisfaction with current services.
The University Center Project Team, which pertains to Mary Graydon Center, Butler Pavilion and Bender Arena, sponsored the sessions.
While the University is looking at the presence of current services, it is looking into space, including the space occupied by STA Travel. The University and STA Travel are still reviewing their contract, which will be up in the summer.
Bernard Schulz, special assistant to the vice president of Campus Life, said that the team wants feedback about what the campus wants in the Mary Graydon Center and Butler Pavilion, and will explore different possibilities of new vendors.
According to Schulz, an online survey conducted last fall returned feedback from 415 participants on campus that included staff, faculty and students. The results included: 30 percent - food enhancement; 19 percent - health, beauty, personal; 18 percent - entertainment, game related; 13 percent -electronics, computer; 7 percent - clothing/ apparel; 7 percent - special gifts; and 6 percent - program-school related.
Hillary Dallas, director of retail and leasing operations, said that the results from the focus groups, the survey and recommendations from the team would provide information about the needs of campus as well as the current status of services.
- STOKELY BAKSH
