RCSGA: Tyler Haynes renovations in the works

The Richmond College Student Government Association meeting opened with a presentation from architect Andrew McBride about the ongoing renovations to the Tyler Haynes Commons.

Plans were shown to both RCSGA and Westhampton College Government Association members to solicit feedback from student government representatives.

Interior designer Helen Reed debuted her initial plans for the renovation of the first floor and received strong opinions from senate members regarding color scheme choices. There will be another meeting to discuss the second draft of the plans soon.

The hope is to make a more modern building that can host student life, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reed envisions a Commons that is high-energy, colorful and animated.

There will be TVs, video games, pool tables and other items for entertainment available for students to use and socialize with friends. Renovations are planned to culminate around graduation time in the spring.

RCSGA and WCGA are working together to finalize plans for the Homecoming celebrations in October.

The band playing at the Homecoming dance has been booked and the budget finished. The committee is still aiming to raise more money in order to fund buses to get students to the Homecoming football game.

Plans to create a Student Program Council are still in the works. The idea is that various leaders from several large organizations on campus will work together in organizing four to six large campus events that occur each year — one of which is Homecoming — rather than having the coordination be scattered and spread across various boards on campus.

Logistics are still in the works in the attempt to make university paraphernalia more common at local stores throughout the city of Richmond. RCSGA members said they hoped that the success of this plan would allow university T-shirts and sweatshirts to be sold at local CVS stores, Wal-Marts and elsewhere.

RCSGA is looking into partnering with the bookstore on campus to sell Richmond College-specific items, including car decals and T-shirts, alongside the WCGA items.

A blood drive will take place this Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 7, in the Commons. Students are encouraged to sign up to donate blood.

Rowdies Rundown members said the official kick off to the men's basketball season would be at 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1. There will be a shoot out and other activities for students.

Contact reporter Paige Zorniger at paige.zorniger@richmond.edu