he second-floor lobby of the University Center is slated for a $14,000 upgrade of new furniture, a project initiated by the Student Government Association.

“So many people congregate in that second-floor lobby, and people are sitting in windowsills,” said SGA Vice President of Public Relations Jen Perry.

The new furniture will include 12 chairs, 3 loveseats and 5 tables.

The idea to furnish the lobby was initially introduced at SGA’s spring retreat, which was held Jan. 7-8.

Perry said she believes the current state of the lobby hurts the university’s image, since she sees the UC as the front door to Northern Kentucky University.

Steve Meier, associate to the dean of students, agrees that the presentation of the lobby is important because it is connected to the UC Ballroom, which hosts many important functions.

“With the current furniture, (the lobby) doesn’t really look good,” Meier said.

Perry said the administration agreed with SGA’s initiative to furnish the lobby and after planning the project, asked SGA to help financially support the project.

At its March 21 meeting, the student senate unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by University Improvement Chair Keidra King to contribute $5,000 toward the project.

According to Bridgette Pregliasco, senior director for administration of Student Services, the remaining $9,000 came from Student Affairs and Administration and Finance.

Perry said it was important to help fund the project since it was initiated by SGA.

“The university took the brunt of the funding,” Perry said. “I wish we could have contributed more.”

Meier, who also serves as the UC manager, said the new furniture should arrive in two or three months.

He also said there is a possibility in the future of having wireless Internet available in the lobby and laptops available to check out at the Information Desk on the first floor.

According to Meier, the university is also looking to replace the Information Desk soon.

Perry said she is excited about the renovations of the UC. “I think this is just a small step in really maximizing the utilization of (the UC) while we’re waiting for the new (Student Union Building),” she said.

Groundbreaking for the new $34 million Student Union Building is scheduled for later this year.

“We felt that this was something that couldn’t wait … for the new one to be built, Perry said.

Harrison Woolfolk, a junior marketing major, said he thinks the initiative to furnish the lobby was smart of SGA.

“The University Center should be a place where everyone hangs out at,” Woolfolk said. “There should be more people up there.”

Woolfolk said he believes the new furniture will bring more students to the lobby.