Renovated student life center brings expanded fitness and recreational opportunities for students on campus

Rochester, New York – The Hale-Andrews Student Life Center (SLC) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has undergone significant renovations, offering students more opportunities than ever to engage in recreational activities, fitness programs, and social experiences. With an increasing number of visitors, the improvements aim to create a more inclusive and versatile space where students can exercise, relax, and build a sense of community.

The upgrades include new fitness rooms, an improved running track, and additional recreational options such as a golf simulator and an extra pool table. These changes have already made a noticeable impact, with students spending more time at the center and utilizing the expanded amenities.

Expanding Fitness and Training Spaces

To accommodate the growing demand for workout space, two former racquetball courts have been transformed into specialized fitness rooms. These rooms now serve as spaces for club meetings, personal training sessions, and strength training classes. By repurposing these courts, the SLC has eased congestion at the neighboring Wiedman Fitness Center, a multi-level gym spanning 16,000 square feet.

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Students now have access to a greater variety of workout options, allowing them to engage in personalized training routines or join group fitness sessions. The expansion has also enabled student organizations to reserve the rooms for group workouts, making it easier for clubs to train together.

Jennifer Lewis, associate director of Recreational Facilities, highlighted the importance of student input in the renovation process. “We asked members of several student organizations what would be a priority for them,” she said. “The new spaces were designed to accommodate their requests and be utilized as much as possible.”

Upgrades to the Running Track and Recreation Areas

One of the most significant improvements is the renovated elevated running track, which opened in January. The previous track, installed in 1992, has been replaced with a modern rubberized surface, providing a better running experience for students. The track, measuring an eighth of a mile, hovers above the basketball courts, offering an ideal space for runners seeking an indoor alternative, especially during harsh winter months.

Additional recreational amenities have been introduced, including a golf simulator that allows students to practice their drives in a controlled environment. The billiards section has also been expanded with the addition of a third pool table, meeting the increasing demand from students who frequently engage in friendly matches and competitive play.

Garrison Koch, a Ph.D. student from New York City, is one of the many students who benefit from the improved billiards section. “We have a great group of players who play in a local league,” he said. “It’s a great stress reliever.”

David Stevens, director of the Center for Recreational Sports, noted that the billiards equipment was checked out 4,000 times last year, with many students bringing their own gear and even recording their games. “Once they come, they tend to also stay and socialize. That’s been our goal. We’re trying to create a community,” Stevens said.

Growing Student Engagement and Community Building

The SLC has seen record-breaking attendance in recent semesters, with over 550,000 visits annually for the past two years. The first week of classes this semester recorded an all-time high of student visits. About 91 percent of these visits come from current students, while faculty, staff, and alumni make up the remaining 9 percent.

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Students are not just visiting the SLC more frequently; they are also spending longer periods inside the facility. In 2021, the average visit duration was 71 minutes, but that number has risen to 88 minutes this year. The increase suggests that students are making the most of the resources available and finding value in the upgraded spaces.

The center’s welcoming atmosphere is a crucial factor in attracting a diverse student body. To ensure that all students feel comfortable using the facility, new features such as dart boards, air hockey tables, and vending machines with healthy snack options have been added. These enhancements provide a space for students who may prefer less physically demanding activities while still wanting to socialize and unwind.

“We want people to come from different backgrounds, with all body types and experiences,” Stevens said. “We want everyone to feel welcomed here.”

Fitness Expansion Beyond the SLC

Recognizing the need for more accessible fitness options, RIT has also extended its recreational offerings beyond the SLC. In collaboration with Residence Life, a new fitness room was established in the basement of Frances Baker Hall in the fall of 2022. The room, open 24/7 to all RIT students with ID access, features treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, a rowing machine, and a selection of weight-training equipment.

“It’s connected to a studio where you could have a group of students practicing a small dance routine or connect to the TV to run a small fitness class,” Lewis said.

The Baker Hall fitness room has been a resounding success, with 18,000 visits recorded last year by 2,100 unique students. This year, usage is projected to increase to 22,000 visits. The room provides a convenient alternative for students who may find the main gym intimidating or prefer to stay within their residential area, especially during the cold winter months.

“The room has been super popular as another alternative for students who didn’t feel comfortable coming into the big gym,” Lewis said. “It can seem pretty intimidating for someone coming in brand new to working out or being in such a big school. And since it’s cold in the winter, you may not feel like trekking across campus, so you have the convenience of staying right inside the dorms and using the tunnels.”

A Lasting Impact on Campus Life

The continuous improvements to RIT’s recreational facilities demonstrate the university’s commitment to student wellness and engagement. The SLC renovations, along with expanded fitness options across campus, have made it easier for students to stay active, meet new people, and maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal well-being.

Beyond serving current students, the enhanced facilities have also become a major selling point for prospective students considering RIT. Alumni who return to visit frequently express their appreciation for the high-quality fitness and recreation opportunities they once enjoyed.

“Students come back after they graduate and say RIT had the best gym they ever belonged to. They miss it,” Lewis said.

With growing student participation and continuous facility enhancements, the SLC remains a vital hub for recreation, fitness, and social engagement on campus. Whether students are lifting weights, running on the track, playing a game of pool, or simply grabbing a healthy snack, the upgraded Student Life Center provides countless opportunities to stay active and connected within the RIT community.