Renovations began during the spring intercession to Powell and White halls in order to modernize the building.The Gresham Room in 113 Powell and the Ponder Room located in 108 Powell have undergone the most renovations.

The Gresham Room is being made into a duplicate of the former Ponder room, which had stadium seating, and the Ponder Room is being made into a student resource center.

“I think that the student center will be a nice place for students to go and socialize when they are feeling stressed out from the pressure of classes,” Lindsey Schaeffer, freshman from Marrero, said.

The center will provide students with the latest electronic devices while giving them the comfort of a living room atmosphere. There will also be a patio for students to sit and socialize. Students will be able to purchase gourmet coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, salads and doughnuts.

“The whole purpose is to provide the students an outlet between classes to experience the latest in business and electronics while socializing,” Ridley Gros, dean of the College of Business Administration, said.

The student resource center will feature three computers available for student use, a stock market ticker tape to display the prices for various stocks and a plasma television that will show various business networks. There will also be wireless connection and plug-ins for students with laptops. All electronics should be available for student use in March.

“I’m very excited about these renovations because they really are for the students,” Gros said. “I hope they take advantage of these opportunities.”

Other changes that have occurred in the Powell/White halls are the modernization of the restrooms and new carpet in the dean’s suite.

The building has also been sealed in order to keep moisture out.

There are new desks in the building, but they are primarily for Powell classrooms.

Two local construction companies, Thomassie Construction and Betco, have been working on the renovations along with some employees from the Nicholls maintenance department.

Modernization of the building is being done because the college of business is undergoing accreditation soon.

“We expect the student center to be ready by Feb. 15,” Mike Davis, assistant vice president for business affairs for procurement and physical plant operations, said.

The funding for the student center comes from grants and University catering. Other financial assistance is coming from the Ponder family and friends. The money for renovations of the bathrooms and floors comes from the building use student assessed fees.

The restrooms and the Gresham Room were available for student use on the first day of classes.