By Joslyn DelSignore / Jambar contributor
As renovations continue at Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center, students are adjusting to fewer dining options and gathering spaces.
The construction began at the end of spring 2025 and is expected to continue through fall 2027.
Frank Scrocco Jr., director of Kilcawley, and Joy Polkabla Byers, dean of students and interim vice president, said the main concern they heard from students was the potential loss of their central meeting space.
While the renovations take over the majority of Kilcawley’s space, there are still a variety of options in the student center.
The Chestnut Room has been converted into a cafeteria to accommodate the five food companies brought in by AVI Fresh, a division of AVI Foodsystems. There are still study spaces and an active cove area with games and activities for students.
“There’s no shortage of space for the students during the renovation, and we are accommodating a lot of it still with the open area of Kilcawley,” Scrocco said.
Student organizations and student events are still renting out space in Kilcawley, such as Greek Life meetings and organization fairs.
Polkabla Byers said she feels the renovation is a good opportunity for students to work together and problem solve where to find meeting spaces.
She said that last fall, the International Student Organization hosted its international prom. The event is usually held in the Chestnut Room, but with the recent renovations, members had to find a new location. The students worked together and partnered with the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center to host the event.
“It’s challenging students to be creative and thinking about space,” Polkabla Byers said.
Other students have used the renovation as an opportunity to explore other meeting spots on campus.
Scrocco said he has noticed students congregating in Cushwa Cafe, Williamson Cafe and the basement of Silvestri Hall.
Polkabla Byers said she has seen students using the lobbies of other academic buildings, such as Debartlo Hall or the Rec Center, and when weather allows, the Daniel H. Becker Family Fountain Commons outside of Kilcawley.
As for dining, Scrocco said AVI reports that food sales are comparable to last year. He said he does not see any dining services suffering.
There are many resources to help students on campus. Food lockers are an option for students to skip long lines. They can schedule their pickup and get food at their convenience.
There are also Pete’s Points, which can be used not only on campus, but also at restaurants downtown, such as The Mocha House.
“The sense of community has been even more promoted. I think this has been a catalyst for us to actually collaborate and show the leaders from all different areas and divisions, even, come together and make this work for the student experience to give the students everything we can,” Scrocco said.
Students are encouraged to continue renting spaces in Kilcawley, and can visit the Kilcawley Center renovation website to walk them through the process.
“We’re happy to meet with them and talk through it, and work as a team to come up with some creative solutions to help them meet their needs,” Polkabla Byers said.
Scrocco also suggests that students read the student digest published every Sunday to stay informed on what events are on campus and where they can spend time.