By Erin Haviland

Glenville State becoming a university involves changes to the campus that many might not even think about. These changes range from mouse pads in computer labs that say Glenville State College to the billboards on the interstate. Rita Hedrick-Helmick, Vice President for Administration and General Counsel, and Thomas Ratliff, Executive Director of Operations, were able to provide some insights on the exact process and finishing dates for these changes.

Helmick went into detail on the progress within the new Starbucks being put on campus near the Campus Store. This Starbucks is under construction now, with a soft opening scheduled for the end of this semester. Starbucks will conduct training over the summer and be fully operational in the fall. Ararmark will be in charge of it and the employees will be Aramark employees.

Helmick then focused on the dining hall changes along with the changes to the Rusty Musket, which she said will get “a full upgrade.” In the main cafeteria, the salad bar will be moved to the main floor to allow more room for food and less crowding. Ratliff explained that a electric fireplace, originally planned for the dining hall, will be moved to the stage area of the Musket.

The Musket will be receiving a new brand called “Freshens” which is a healthier option for students on campus. Helmick hopes for this new brand to be available in August when students return. As of now, plans are to change the name of the Musket to Cedar Creek Grill, also effective in August.

Other changes required by the upgrade to university status involved signage. One of the first things Ratliff took care of was sign at the North entrance to campus. Ratliff reported that there have been and continue to be landscaping improvements all over campus. Watch for flowers from the hundreds of bulbs planted in the fall any minute now as spring moves in.