Atmospheric Change in Starbucks Cafe

Once a place with sofas and chairs, the Starbucks café on the lower level of the campus center has been refurnished with more durable tables and chairs after the original furniture was destroyed.

The furniture, defaced with markers, handles torn off and stained, was replaced with the tables and chairs in front of the computer café and it is unknown at this time if the furniture will be replaced.

The Faculty Student Association (FSA) approved $25,913.60 to furnish the area just two years ago to make it a relaxing area for student to work said Ann Carrozza, the executive director of the FSA. “FSA wants a nice place for students both upstairs and downstairs.”

Once the furniture was put in students were laying all over it, writing on it, eventually destroying it causing the FSA to be unsure about replacing the furniture with something similar. “I would not want to put it there and risk it being destroyed,” said Carrozza.

Patti Scanlon, a custodian who used to clean up the café area said, “It is a big improvement. There has been a big change since they took out the chairs and tables; the rugs are cleaner and kids aren’t lying all over like they were.”

According to Dotty DeSormeau, who works in the café during the day, the changes are visibly noticeable. “I think it is for the better. If you notice students are studying more then they were,” said DeSormeau.

The decision to replace the furniture will be deliberated at the end of the semester. The FSA needs to have furniture ideas and quotes and then the proposal will be decided on by the FSA Board of Directors.

According to Gregg Twerggo, a senior in Individual Studies, “I actually agree with it. The way the furniture was treated was inexcusable.”

Ryan Chesser, a student who frequents the café, noticed a change in the atmosphere since the furniture was replaced. “With the old chairs you get people sitting around relaxing and talking now nobody does that.”