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About the Student Life Center

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The NEW UH Hilo Student Life Center is near completion! This beautiful facility consists of nearly 23,000 square feet of indoor fitness/recreational rooms, a cardio and weight room, dance and aerobics rooms, a lounge with wireless internet, an indoor cafe', locker rooms, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and an open deck by the swimming pool.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We know you have lots of questions about the Center. Hopefully the answers to the following FAQ's will answer all of your questions. If not, please email us!

 

When will the Student Life Center be open?

It is expected that the Grand Opening will be at the beginning of the Fall 2008 semester. Unanticipated construction delays have required the University to postpone the opening date to the beginning of the fall semester.

What programs and activities will be offered at the Center?

A wide variety of fitness, wellness and recreation programs and activities will be offered at the Center. Possible programs and activities include:

  • Aerobics
  • Strength and weight training
  • Cardio training (using treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, etc.)
  • Yoga and Pilates
  • Dance
  • Lap swimming
  • Other aquatic activities such as water polo and water aerobics
  • Martial arts
  • Tai chi
  • Wellness, stress relief and nutrition programs
  • Will I get to use the Student Life Center if I'm not a student?
  • I've heard that the Student Life Center is a "green" building. What does that mean?

Input from students will be important in deciding what programs and activities will be offered. Take a survey and let us know what you'd like to see!

What will the hours be?

The hours the Center will be open have not yet been determined, but we hope that it will be open as many hours as possible. Tentative plans are to open the Center early in the morning, perhaps at 6:00 am, and stay open throughout the evening until possibly as late as 11:00 pm. Plans are to accommodate as many students' schedules as possible, from early-risers to night-owls and everyone in between.

Why do we need a Student Life Center at UH Hilo?

Fitness and recreation is an important concern for many of today's college students and prospective students. Since college can often be a stressful experience, more and more universities are providing opportunities for students and other members of the University community to develop and take care of their bodies and spirits in addition to their minds. UH Hilo wants to offer a better student life experience for students and to encourage you to live by the motto that "a healthy body makes for a healthy mind." In addition, colleges that offer quality up-to-date recreation and fitness facilities and programs for their students have a competitive advantage over institutions that do not.

UH Hilo currently does not have a dedicated student recreation center or swimming pool. The "New Gym" and the "Old Gym" on campus are facilities that sometimes allow students to use the space for recreation during a portion of the day. While these facilities may have been adequate for the University when they were built, they no longer meet the recreational needs of today's students.

What is the size of the swimming pool?

The Olympic-size swimming pool is 50 meters long by 25 yards wide, with depths ranging from about 4 feet to 6.5 feet.

What kind of equipment and machines will be available?

Treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, stairclimbers, upright and recumbent bicycles, free weights, dumbbells and barbell racks, seated rowing machines, incline/flat/utility benches, and equipment for the following types of exercises: bicep curls, tricep extensions, lateral raises, shoulder and chest press, torso rotation, back extension, pec fly/rear delt, abdomen workstation, leg extension and curls, seated leg curl and press, lat pulldowns, lat rowing, lat horizontal bench press, seated/standing shrug, and more!

Are there locker room facilities?

Yes, showers and lockers will be available to those using the Center.

Do athletic teams have priority for using the Student Life Center?

No. The Student Life Center is for all students. It is not intended to be used only for athletes, but for all students--whether you are just looking for a study break, are participating in an intramural or club sport program, or are a student-athlete.

What will be available at the cafe'?

The menu has not yet been determined, but it is anticipated that light and healthy snacks and meals, juices, smoothies, and coffee will be available.

Will there be a cost to use the Student Life Center?

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents has approved a fee of $78 per semester for all students. Great news! This means students will pay only $15.60 per month to use the Center. On average, recreation, fitness and wellness centers at universities across the nation charge students a higher mandatory recreation fee. Fees are necessary to cover the expenses of operating a high-quality, first-class facility.

The University was conscientious to keep the fee as low as possible so that the Center can operate effectively while still being affordable for students. The Financial Aid Office will be able to include it in students' budgets; by doing so, students who demonstrate financial need and apply for financial aid by the priority deadline should be awarded enough financial aid to cover the cost of the fee.

Will I get to use the Student Life Center if I'm not a student?

It is anticipated that UH Hilo faculty, staff and alumni will be able to use the Center by purchasing a semester or annual membership. The membership fee has not yet been determined. Hawaii Community College students may have the option of using the Center if they pay the student fee that UH Hilo students will pay. Students and members will be able to bring family members, friends, and guests by purchasing a guest pass. Since the Center is primarily for students, at this time there are no plans to open the Center to the general public.

I've heard that the Student Life Center is a "green" building. What does that mean?

This refers to implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable systems in the design, construction and operation of the new Center. The UH Hilo Student Life Center will become only the second structure on the Big Island to be rated using the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system. The Center was originally designed for silver certification under this system, but there is growing optimism that it will become the island's first building to be certified as a gold building. To achieve this certification, the construction team has worked hard at incorporating environmentally friendly practices such as recycling waste, utilizing day lighting to reduce dependency on electricity, installing energy efficient air conditioning, and using renewable and locally produced materials. Read more about the green design and construction of the Center here.

How did the Student Life Center come about?

The planning and initial design for the UH Hilo Student Life Center began about a decade ago. UH Hilo student leaders became heavily involved by actively lobbying the State Legislature for design funds in 2001 and for construction funds in 2004. They were ultimately successful in obtaining funds for design and construction of the state-of-the-art building. These dedicated and committed student leaders believed strongly in the need for a recreational center on campus. All of the construction costs have come from the Hawaii State Government.

Will there be jobs for students at the Student Life Center?

Yes! Much of the Center will be run and operated by paid student employees. The Center will need students with a broad range of skills, such as lifeguarding, personal training, and office skills. Working at the Center will be an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience while helping to pay for your expenses at the same time. Positions have been advertised through the online student employment system and applications are now being accepted. In addition to paid jobs for students, there may also be opportunities to volunteer at the Center.

I'm not a jock and don't like to workout. What will the Center offer for me?

Plans are to offer a diverse range of programs and activities that will appeal to the broadest range of students. Students will be able to participate individually or in groups, in structured or unstructured activities, and in low-impact or high-impact activities. Even if you don't like to workout, the Center will be a great place to hang out, cool off with a leisurely swim in the pool, sunbathe on the pool deck while relaxing or studying, have a snack, cruise the internet, or meet friends.

How can I learn more about the Student Life Center?

  • During Orientation Week- times TBA
  • Facility Tours- TBA

Who can I contact for more information?