Toros invited to offer feedback on improving union space
More than three decades after the Loker Student Union first opened its doors, CSUDH is exploring what the building will look like and how it will continue to serve future Toros. The university recently kicked off its NXT30 initiative, an assessment program that is aimed at developing the LSU to help students succeed over the next 30 years.
The project is currently soliciting student feedback to better understand what resources, programs, and services the LSU offers now and what it will need to provide down the line.
The LSU is arguably the busiest area on campus, with a steady stream of Toros moving in and out of the building between classes and other campus activities. Opened in 1992 following a student referendum approved in 1985, the building is named in honor of philanthropists Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker, who supported the union’s construction. The building underwent extensive renovations in 2004 to repair damages caused by a fire at the campus bookstore. In addition to the food court, the building is home to campus cultural organizations, the Office of Student Life, and the Associated Students, Inc.
Amy Torres, the LSU’s administrative assistant, told The Bulletin that the NXT30 team consists of Dominguez Hills staff and administrators. The advisory group Brailsford & Dunlavy and the architectural firm LPA are also partners in the project. Torres said the initiative envisions a student union that better serves the goals and interests of Toros.
“Right now a lot of our focus this year is really talking to students, really understanding what they need, really getting that feedback,” Torres said. “It’s really in the early stages for us to determine if there’s going to be any sort of movement in the building, but it won’t be done without the student input.”
Toward that end, NXT30 is organizing student focus groups to discover what is most important to Toros. Torres said the goal is to learn more about students’ experiences, “and asking them in what ways we can provide support.” Students should also be on the lookout for a campus-wide survey and, possibly, tabling events. They can also leave feedback on the NXT30 website.
Whenever senior Eli Fowler is at the LSU, it’s usually at the Black Resource Center. Fowler said she likes the connection between the different cultural centers within the union.
“They’re all really close to each other,” said Fowler, who studies English literature. “Despite the distance and stuff like that, we all pretty much communicate pretty well.”
Senior psychology student Oswaldo Mendoza and fifth-year childhood education student Anayeli Sepulveda said they often go to the LSU to study.
“I think it’s a great place where we can come and do our homework.” Sepulveda said. “It’s very lively and open.”
Other students, like freshman biology student Mike Morales, said they prefer the less busy areas of the LSU, like the third floor exterior by the ballrooms. “I enjoy coming up here, just to hang out and just the quietness overall,” said Morales.
Just like how Toros 30 years ago moved to establish the LSU for future generations, Torres said current students have a similar opportunity to help create a lasting benefit for those who come after them.
“It’s kind of like the students of today advocating for the needs of students and leaving their legacy for the future students as well,” Torres said. “Because some things can be easily implemented and some take a little bit longer, but it’s really connecting back to how the LSU started.”