Nov 14, 2014 05:13 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of Houston has announced the official name change of the University Center to the Student center.

The name change proposal was initiated when the University Center policy Board and the Student Government Association advocated for this change to coincide with the completion of the University Center Transformation Project.

"Since the University Center Transformation Project has been a student led and student funded project, it was only appropriate that the name of these facilities reflect the students' commitment and dedication to this hub of student life on the campus," school officials said in a statement.

The request, which was approved by President Renu Khator, will be effective Jan. 2015. The facilities will be known as the Student Center North, Student Center South and Student Center Satellite.   

The $80 million University Center Transformation Project was funded 95 percent by student fees. The newly renovated Student Center North and Student Center South facilities will continue to serve as the epicenter of campus life.  

These two Student Center facilities provide nearly 306,000 square feet in a well-designed space that serves as a dynamic hub of activity for the campus community.  Phase II completion of the Student Center will usher in new lounge spaces, study rooms, new conference style meeting rooms, a renovated Houston Room and a retail corridor featuring the Cougar Byte Technology Store, Freshii, and Shasta's Cones & More.

"Furthermore, the new Student Center will provide the University of Houston with a competitive edge as we continue to strive for excellence as a Tier-One Institution," school officials added.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 the new Student Center will host its official Grand Opening Celebration at 10 a.m. in the new Plaza (between Student Center North and Student Center South), followed by a daylong schedule of fun activities that will conclude at 10 p.m.  

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