With phase one of the Tate Student Center expansion underway, adjustments are being made to accommodate the new facility.

Current space in the Tate Center will be altered. One area affected by the construction is Georgia Hall, located on the first floor.

The hall serves as a multipurpose event/meeting room where numerous organizations host events during the year. Annual events held there include the student employment fair and the African Student Union’s “African Night.”

The hall will be converted into a two-story office suite housing the Center for Leadership and Service, the Greek Life Office and the Center for Student Organizations.

In preparation for its closing, student groups are seeking alternative venues for their events.

“We are looking at dates and trying to plan our event as early as possible, so that we can secure the best location for our programs,” said Shelina Ramnarine, vice president of the Caribbean Student Association.

Though Georgia Hall will be closed, other facilities offered by the Department of Campus Life still are available, including space in Memorial Hall, Tate and Legion Field. The Center for Student Organizations is trying to assist organizations with larger events by talking with different venues on and off campus.

“Right now we are looking at spaces within Ramsey and the Classic Center, but nothing is concrete yet,” said Willie Banks, director of Campus Life for the Tate Center. The entire project, which is estimated to cost $58.2 million, includes plans to finish a new parking deck by summer 2008 and unveil the new building by fall 2009.

It will have an 11,000 square foot multi-purpose room, a dining room, open performance space and meeting rooms among other services.

“I think Tate II will be great for students because it will give us another place to study and hang out,” said Melissa Bennett, a sophomore from Woodstock.

“[Tate II] will be ‘of the students, by the students and for the students’ and it will greatly expand the services, spaces and opportunities offered to UGA students,” Michael Adams said.