Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: News

San Jose State University Campus Recreation offices will be moving to a new building at the end of March or beginning of April, Associated Students officials said. Campus Recreation, which provides fitness and intramural sports opportunities through Associated Students, will reside in Building BB across from Campus Village when the move is finally made, said Randy Saffold, campus recreation and special projects manager. "It will throw a little bit of a monkey wrench into the works, as we will have to quickly get new systems up in place and running," Saffold said. "Students will now come to our new offices to make payments and register for activities instead of the General Services Center." Saffold said that the Facilities, Development and Operation department was currently preparing a space for the new Campus Recreation offices and that donated and recycled furniture will be used to spare some costs. "Plans are being put in place now for a smooth transition to the new space over spring break," Saffold said. "However, this is a loose time table and may have to be pushed back a bit." To inform students about the new move, Saffold said that all current Campus Recreation participants will be e-mailed with news of the change, and informative signs and handouts will be available around campus. "I believe the move will increase participation in our activities," Saffold said. "We will have a stronger visual presence than we currently have in the A.S. house." Overall, Campus Recreation participation grew 19 percent over the last year with intramural soccer improving more than any other sport with 66 percent more participants, according to Saffold. Nicole Hagar, assistant director for fitness and activities, said that a change in location for Campus Recreation might bring in even more student involvement. "I think it will be great because we will be closer to students," Hagar said. "It gives us a better chance to be closer to the programs we run, as well as the participants." Hagar also said that Campus Recreation will be hiring its own cashier to handle program funds, whereas students would have to pay online or at the General Services Center in the Student Union. "We want to be more accessible to students," Hagar said. "We want to provide better customer service." Senior business major Sandeep Hasrajani said that a more visible location for Campus Recreation would make things easier for students. "The move is a good idea," Hasrajani said. "It will make it more centralized and more specialized." Hasrajani said that a new and more visible office for Campus Recreation may even increase enrollment in some instances. "Students will be on tours with their parents and everyone will see that there is recreation right next to where the students live," he said. "It seems like a small decision, but it could end up being the deciding factor." Joel Baker, who is currently taking a semester off but will be enrolled at SJSU next semester, has participated in several Campus Recreation activities in the past. Baker said that he hopes that the change allows students a more efficient path to recreational events. "It seems that in the past you do more time running around getting things paid for and signed than actually playing," Baker said.

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