Student life has been undergoing a transformation at the University with the recent transition of the Frederick Douglass Building into a new student center, Douglass Commons. Together with Wilson Commons, the area is the Campus Center, a hub for River Campus organizations, activities, and programs.
“Wilson Commons does not have all of the features of a traditional student union,” says Laura Ballou, assistant dean of student life operations and director of the Campus Center. “Together, both buildings create a center for the entire campus community.”
The Campus Center offers newly added ablution, meditation, and lactation rooms, in addition to a variety of dining options, student services, meeting rooms, and event spaces. It’s also home to the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center and the Language Center.
Douglass Community Kitchen
Since opening last spring semester, the Douglass Community Kitchen has been a hit with student organizations as well as faculty, who have held some of their classes there.
“Based on the usage we’re seeing, we’ve really created something that students, faculty, and instructors are looking for,” Ballou says. “The idea of coming together over food and sharing culture is powerful.”
Learn more about how students and other members of the University community use the kitchen.
Clubs and classes interested in using the kitchen must sign up for training provided by David Graupman, assistant director of student life operations. Contact dgraupma@ur.rochester.edu with questions or sign up here.
Douglass Ballroom has a new name
The ballroom in Douglass Commons has been renamed the Richard Feldman Ballroom in honor of the former dean of the College, who was a leader in the transformation of the Frederick Douglass Building into Douglass Commons.
Feldman, who served as dean of the College for 10 years, is a professor of philosophy who has served on the faculty since 1975.
Explore all the Campus Center has to offer
“Welcome Back to the Campus Center,” a series of events from September 3 to 8, will celebrate the return of students to campus and highlight many areas and vendors within Wilson and Douglass Commons. Events such as the annual poster sale, Club Rochester, and late-night programming at Rocky’s Sub Shop are planned.
