By Tiara Clyde
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Because of increasing noise and decreasing use of the Quiet Cafe outside the Cougar Cafe on the Blackwood campus, Camden County College is changing the way to use the space and is looking for a new location to create a quiet space.
The Quiet Cafe will be repurposed as an entertainment center. College officials are looking for a more remote spot to relocate the Quiet Cafe.
In the coming months, Jackie Tenuto, associate dean of students, and Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, president, will lead a project to find a space to relocate the Quiet Cafe and to add amenities to the entertainment center with input from students.
“We are planning to repurpose that space again and make it more student centered and more of a place where it would be fun for students to hang out,” Pugh-Bassett stated.
With current noise complaints from students who occupy the Quiet Cafe and a longstanding agenda to create more student engagement, the current location will become an entertainment center for students.
“Camden County College is committed to enhancing the quality of student life and activities,” said Tenuto.
The college is planning to include games such as foosball, air hockey and pool. The college will also install televisions in this space that can be used for students to watch streaming services and movies.
At this time, college officials could not give a definite answer for where the Quiet Cafe will be relocated.
Due to its location next to the cafeteria, students tend to play music or talk while in the cafeteria.
Students say they are excited about the change and believe it will make students more inclined to stay on campus.
“It would make more sense if they placed TVs in the location of where the quiet center is and make it a cozy lounge space,” said Esmeralda Herrera, a freshman business major. “I’m glad that they are changing the location of the quiet center and turning it into something that is more fun.”
The changes are still in the planning phase and college officials have begun talking to students. Pugh-Bassett and Tenuto have made it a priority to reach out to students for input on what games or activities should occupy the space.
“I am always supporting new student spaces. We just have to make sure it fits in with the strategic plan for the college’s future. We need more students on campus,” Tenuto said.
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