New Game Room Adds to TAMIU Student Life
Students made tense by tests or heavy with homework have a new place to release their rigors with the opening of a new Game Room in the Texas A&M International University Student Center complex.
The new facility, located on the lower level of the Center in Room 105, includes a bank of computers equipped with a variety of games, electronic dartboards, billiard tables, game tables and a comfy TV room with a 62-inch big screen TV. Funky furniture in bright colors adds to the carefree atmosphere.
Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Tom Corti said the Game Room is a welcome addition to the Student Center and student life.
"Students need an area where they can relax and enjoy some time with their friends, play a game and remove themselves from the rigors of study for a short time. Game Rooms on University campuses traditionally are popular venues and we expect this to be the case here as well," Dr. Corti said.
The facility is funded in part by student fees. The Student Center building represents a $15 million investment by the state of Texas and private philanthropy. The Game Room equipment and furnishings represents an investment of over $50,000.
"We have said all along that we want this Student Center to be on par with those enjoyed by students at other universities. Our students deserve this experience to be part of their education here and we are pleased to be able to bring it to them," he explained.
Corti said the Game Room also offers employment opportunities for over a dozen students who will help to run the facility.
"We believe this will help us to insure that the Game Room continues to answer the needs of the students who daily can monitor what is working and what may need revisiting. We want this Game Room to reflect students' needs and believe their employment will help us to better address them," Dr. Corti explained.
The Gameroom has four competition grade billiards tables, an air hockey table, foosball table, several game tables and a library of computer games to play on the seven computers. Students can also check their e-mail and browse the internet with these computers. The equipment such as the billiard tables is designed for collegiate competition.
The University is an institutional member of Association of College Union International (ACUI). The organization sponsors tournaments such as billiards, foosball, and air hockey for competition between colleges and universities. TAMIU hopes to enter the competition next Spring.
The Game Room will be open Monday -Friday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 noon - 10 p.m. The Room is closed on Sundays.
The Student Center opened in May and is part of the University's Phase III expansion which is now underway.
The Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, now under construction, is the last building in the expansion. Phase IV of the University, which will includes a new Science Building, is nearing final design completion.
The University began the Fall 2002 Semester on Monday. Late Registration continues through 4 p.m. Friday.
For additional information, contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at 326.2876, visit offices in Killam Library 160 or email corti@tamiu.edu.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu