Yeager Hall may look a little different next fall. Instead of a print shop on the ground level, students will find a cafeteria. The change is necessary because Larson Commons will close temporarily for renovations for the entire school year.
Larson Commons has been under renovation since summer 2024. The next phase of renovations to the inside of Larson’s upper level will start after commencement in May, according to Michaela Willis, vice president for student affairs & enrollment management.
The cafeteria will go in the space that formerly housed the SDSU print lab. The print lab closed Nov. 31 of last year.
To convert the space, Yeager will get a few renovations that will take place before the start of the fall semester.
“They are working on a major restroom renovation in there in preparation,” Willis said. “We are also working in collaboration with Sodexo, our university facilities and services team and our architect and engineering firm to ensure that that space is ready for you in the fall semester.”
According to Willis, Club 71 in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium will be used to fulfill summer camps and conference food service needs.
Students can also expect changes to the Hansen C-store and the Dairy Bar next year.
“I’m trying to find some additional outlets, particularly for that lunchtime period, and then for our students on the west side of campus to have more options for meals this coming year.”
Willis also addressed birds in Larson Commons. On Monday at 4 p.m., she got a report that a sparrow was in the building. This marks the third time this semester this has happened.
“We do really care about the quality, and we care about making sure it’s sanitary and safe, so we diverted everyone to the Union for the evening,” Willis said.
She also spoke on food quality complaints that have been brought UP.
“I am aware that there have been some concerns raised particularly this semester around food quality and options at Larson Commons,” Willis said. “I want you to know that we have heard those concerns, and we are working with Sodexo to address them.”
Campus master plan
The campus master plan is 95% done, and by next week should be 100% complete, according to Willis. The master plan will include information on new facilities, renovations to residence halls, dining options, academic and research spaces and the Briggs Library.
“That really sets the stage for SDSU and our campus from now through the next 10 years and beyond,” Willis said.
There will be open informational sessions from DLR Group, the architect of the master plan, on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 1-2 p.m. in the Pheasant Crest Room of the Union.
SA Elections
Two president and vice president nominations were accepted at Monday’s meeting.
Sens. Sophie Spier and Wesley Siira were nominated for president and vice president. In addition, current vice president Hayden Bentz and Sen. Eleanor Wehseler were nominated for president and vice president.
Those interested in becoming a senator can take out a petition now through Monday, March 3 at 5 p.m. The Students’ Association general election will take place on Tuesday, March 25 through Wednesday, March 26.
Union GAF
Mark Venhuizen, director of Student Union operations and event services, outlined how general activity funds (GAF) are spent in the University Student Union.
The Union receives $13.70 out of the $152.55 charged per credit hour from SDSU students.
“The GAF accounts for about 46% of the overall Union budget,” Venhuizen said. “The Union is a really busy place. We typically, on average, have 1.7 million people that come through the facility [each year]. We’re servicing a lot of different areas.”
New Clubs
The park interpretation and management club, the aerospace club, and the Papua New Guinea student association club are three new clubs that were approved at SA on Monday. In addition, the Constitution of the South Dakota Water Environment Association/American Water Works Association South Dakota Section (SDWEA/SDAWWA) Student Chapter of SDSU was approved. All four constitutions were approved 26-0.
