Collegiate Times

Torg Center

Correction: This story has been modified from its original version. — Correction: This story has been modified from its original version. Virginia Tech has a $1.05 billion budget. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.

A TWO-YEAR ENDEAVOR

Yates authored the legislation to make Torgerson Hall a 24/7 facility in 2008, and it passed in March 2009.

A transfer student from the University of Michigan, Yates said one of the first questions she asked after transferring to Tech was whether there was a 24/7 study facility in place. At the University of Michigan, she said, the undergraduate library was open until 5 a.m. and was connected by a bridge to the graduate library, which was open 24/7.

When Yates got involved with the SGA, she almost immediately began pushing her idea for a 24/7 study facility. Initially, she began to focus on the possibility of Newman Library being the 24/7 facility.

Davis said that although students have been using Torgersen Hall past midnight since he was appointed to his job in 2001, “this is the first real hard push” he has seen.

University spokesman Larry Hincker said he, too, had only recently heard of the idea of converting Torgersen to a 24/7 study facility.

Yates first conducted an extensive survey in 2008 that had just over 1,700 students respond. The data from the survey, which had to do with the operating hours of Newman Library, Yates said, made it clear: “This is not just me who wants it, this is the entire student body,” she said.

The largest category of students, 26 percent, said they spent between 10 and 15 hours studying each week. Almost 900 students, 50 percent of those asked, reported spending their majority of their time studying in their bedroom, dorm room, or apartment.

About 63 percent of students reported being “unhappy with the current hours at Newman Library,” and 76 percent said if Newman had more convenient hours, they would consider studying there.

Additionally, 90 percent of students said they study between 5 p.m. and midnight, while 50 percent said they continue to study between midnight and 6 a.m.

Yates said the survey illustrates a sentiment within the student body, especially when the sheer amount of students who replied is taken into consideration.

Students found studying in Torgersen atrium agreed with the survey results.

“I can actually bring food here and be more settled,” said Ashley Broderick, a junior interior design major.

Others, like freshman engineering major Callie Zawaski, prefer studying in Torgersen Hall because study rooms in dorms can get full.

It soon became apparent to Yates, however, that Newman Library was not going to be the best choice for the 24-hour facility.

Yates was told there was “no way” the library would extend its hours.

Davis also said he had been in contact with the library to discuss sharing of resources, especially the security guard who is currently employed at the library. He said, however, that the library staff had not been particularly cooperative with his requests.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Carroll said he is extremely hopeful for Torgersen Hall to go 24/7 as his last act as SGA president.

“I’m 95 percent certain that Torg will be 24/7,” he said.

Carroll said he believes the administration does care about students’ needs, like a 24/7 study facility. However, he said, “they are stuck in the process.”

Carroll said he hopes to see Torgersen Hall become 24/7 during final exams. If that isn’t possible, he said, the library might be an option.

Before Torgersen Hall can become approved to become a 24/7 facility, the legislation will be having a second reading before the CSA and two readings before the University Council.

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A version of this article appeared in the Feb 24 issue of the Collegiate Times.