What’s New
Creating New Spaces, New Opportunities
We're Always Improving
Whether due to growing enrollment, new programs, updated technology, or unique opportunity, there have been many years when exciting changes have taken place on campus. This year was no exception.
“These projects will certainly enhance the student, faculty, and staff experiences at UC. Continuing to evolve our Charleston and Beckley campuses is always a top priority as we focus on helping students achieve their personal and professional goals.” – UC President Martin Roth
VR Lab
Biology, nursing, and other healthcare students now have a great new learning resource. Our newly installed virtual reality classroom includes the latest equipment for immersive anatomy, physiology, and radiology instruction.
Located in the Clay Tower Building, the lab will provide an easy-to-use tool for students to study human anatomy in in a fully immersive 3D environment.
New Dining Facilities
The former Food Court, located on the 1st floor of the Geary Student Union, is now The Riverfront Dining Hall, with an upgraded look and more food choices. There are eight food serving stations, new and renovated furnishings, updated décor, and expanded seating. Both meal plans and ala carte dining are available.
The Golden Eagle Commons, reimagined from the former Dining Hall on the 2nd floor of GSU, has been reformatted as a student commons area with comfortable furnishings and updated décor. This area also includes UC to Go, a new service offering takeout orders, and the Eagle Market, with a variety of prepared and packaged items available through the day and evening.
New Dining Facilities
The former Food Court, located on the 1st floor of the Geary Student Union, is now The Riverfront Dining Hall, with an upgraded look and more food choices. There are eight food serving stations, new and renovated furnishings, updated décor, and expanded seating. Both meal plans and ala carte dining are available.
The Golden Eagle Commons, reimagined from the former Dining Hall on the 2nd floor of GSU, has been reformatted as a student commons area with comfortable furnishings and updated décor. This area also includes UC to Go, a new service offering takeout orders, and the Eagle Market, with a variety of prepared and packaged items available through the day and evening.
Outdoor Recreation Center
In the space once occupied by Cox Hall, a new outdoor recreation area has been created, thanks to the 2022 Give for Gold campaign and generous donors.
The new space includes a large sand volleyball court, a basketball court, and two pickleball courts. There is also greenspace around the courts, adding an additional open space on campus.
The men’s volleyball team held a Beach Volleyball Tournament during our Week of Welcome this fall, taking advantage of the new space to show its potential. Students, faculty, and staff made up 12 teams, with 77 total players – including President Roth. Estimates were that there were about 200 people at times around the court, cheering on the teams and adding to the festive
The Boat House
The original boat house, built in 1947, has received new life by being renovated to
become an outdoor recreation center and event venue.
The Boat House offers students gear for a wide variety of activities – from lawn games to bicycle rentals to paddleboards and more.
It also provides a unique location for gatherings, with easy access to its covered porch and river views.
Right outside of the facility is the firepit, offering an added beauty to any gathering. The WV Tourism ‘Almost Heaven’ swing is also right outside, providing a great place for Instagram-able photos.
