We are pleased to announce some exciting changes and initiatives taking place at Olmsted Center.

First, the University Book Store will move operations to Olmsted Center over the summer. The bookstore will be located on the western end of the first floor (west of the Pomerantz stage area). This move presents a great opportunity to bring Drake-branded items, as well as textbooks, closer to students, faculty, and staff.

We are also undertaking a focused effort to enhance student study and gathering spaces. Student feedback will be used to reconfigure various furniture settings within Olmsted Center. The emphasis will be on creating spaces consistent with student needs and preferences. Because the book store move to Olmsted required the space formerly occupied by the D- Lounge and a portion of the Bulldog Lounge to be repurposed, the focus on creating alternative spaces for students throughout Olmsted Center is especially important. Some of the ways we plan to enhance study and gathering spaces include:

• New seating options—Students will be asked to give input into seating options and configurations. You can start today: Please complete this special survey designed for this purpose. Additional opportunities to provide feedback will be available as students return in August.
• TMR room availability for studying—The lower level TMR rooms will remain open during designated times when they are not in use. This will allow students to utilize these rooms for collaborative or private study spaces.
• Pomerantz Stage Area—The Pomerantz Stage Area, when not in use for an event, will be set up for student use. The type of furniture—soft seating or tables—will be assessed based on student feedback.

A frequently asked questions document provides more information on the reasons behind the bookstore move and steps taken thus far to plan for future changes.

We hope you are having a wonderful summer and are excited to unveil and undertake these improvements once you return to campus.

—Sentwali Bakari, Dean of Students