University Student Union

Grand Opening Offers More!!!

By Alisa Langford

The University Student Union (USU) marked its commitment to providing MORE with the Grand Opening celebration on Sep. 12. More than 1,000 students and staff attended the day of festivities, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, official speeches, free food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, giveaways, a comedy show, and more.

Students and staff had much to celebrate. The new USU provides a variety of augmented resources, including a 70-station computer lab with training room, the Matador Involvement Center, (see article on next page) state-of-the-art meeting spaces, a newly relocated Meeting Services, study rooms and lounges, and the new Freudian Sip coffee house with outdoor seating. "I hang out here during breaks from class," said Sandra Chheng, senior Family and Consumer Science major. "The computer labs, free printing, and study lounges have made getting work done much easier."

In addition to the new services, the USU has increased funding for programming. This semester's Matador Nights, held Oct. 27 and Dec. 8, have been instrumental in adding nightlife to the campus. The first Halloween-themed event took place in the USU and included a haunted house, a dance party with a DJ, crafts, free food, and a costume contest. The event was very successful with more than 1,400 attendees.

The Satellite Student Union (SSU) also hosted Matador Nights, this time with a winter theme. While students danced in the Shoshone Room, they were able to cool off to the machine generated snow that made

The Satellite Student Union (SSU) also hosted Matador Nights, this time with a winter theme. While students danced in the Shoshone Room, they were able to cool off to the machine generated snow that made Southern California look a little bit like Mammoth Mountain. This event also tapped into the generous side of party-goers by collecting more than 750 pounds of food for low-income families in the San Fernando Valley.

Students also enjoyed various guest speakers, including Islamic scholar and author Reza Aslan and PostSecret curator Frank Warren. Both authors, who have gained nationwide popularity since their CSUN visit, engaged in question and answer sessions with students.

Last semester's calendar also included Red Rally, a series of booster events for various athletic games. The event will soon boast a section of the Matadome that is roped off for cheering CSUN students decked out in free Red Rally t-shirts.

"We wanted to find a way to get students involved in all Matador Athletics," said Jonathan Martinez, Union Program Council (UPC) Sports and Recreation Chair. "This is a great way to promote school spirit and to cheer on our teams."

The success of the USU has gained momentum as more students become aware of the new services and programs. Numbers in the computer lab consistently grow as word of free printing spreads and events have demonstrated more popularity than previous semesters. The USU continues to march forward in an effort to provide MORE to the campus community.