The University began the $10 million project to renovate the University Commons back in May, and recently completed the renovations at the end of August. The Commons re-opened to the public with their soft opening, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony for select faculty, staff, students, and University guests.

With changes made to student meal plans, the Commons now serves as the main dining hall on campus, and as the only location that takes meal swipes as a part of student meal plans.

Renovations and construction done inside the Commons included opening up the main dining room to expand seating capacity and allow students to see the food being prepared right in front of them, as well as allowing natural light to filter into the dining hall by installing windows in the front of the Commons on the side of the Complexes.

In addition, the University also installed a number of internal equipment and systems that will make the Commons a safe building, including sprinkler systems throughout the dining hall, HVAC units, and the removal of all asbestos throughout the entire Commons building.

“We really took the building and, not only from a dining services standpoint, updated it to where students need it to be and for Dining Services to provide world class dining services, but we also took a building that had significant maintenance over the years and brought that up to speed for the University as well,” says Michael Pieksza, the director of operations for Dining Services.

Pieksza says there is still work being done every day to improve the quality of food produced by the Commons, as well as to improve the overall dining experience on campus.

If students or any guests to the Commons would like to provide Dining Services with any feedback, comments, or advice to praise the service given, or improve the service in any way, you can email Pieksza at: