Starting May 5, current NJCU students and incoming freshman will have a new student lounge available to them in the Gilligan Student Union Building (GSUB) The simple, plush and radiant furniture along with comfortable booths and recently installed carpet transform the room into the ideal student hangout.

The new student lounge will be located across from the NJCU Student Government Organization (SGO) office on GSUB’s first floor, Room 125. SGO headed the project to give students the proper place to both study and meet with friends.

“Vice President of Public Information Karen Mateus and Executive Vice President Jonathan Cabrera partnered with Facilities and Construction Management to make this lounge area possible,” said Vice President of Internal Affairs, Bryan Suarez.

“We really want students to enjoy it but also hope they maintain it and do things like throw away their trash to keep it clean,” he added.

Hector Rivera, the Vice President of Finance and Administration, said the project money was taken from SGO’s contingency fund and totaled about $50,000. SGO plans to add a number of other features to the lounge including a phone charging station and a projector screen for student projects and events. In addition, an artist will etch an SGO-themed Gothic Knight on one of the lounge’s walls.

A plaque will also be placed on the wall to create guidelines for students. A ribbon-cutting event to open the lounge will take place on May 5 at 4:30 p.m.