Northeastern to construct academic center for student-athletes
The academic center will be built on the second floor of the Cabot Center adjacent to the gymnasium and Solomon Court. Plans include a study hall area, a computer lab featuring approximately 20 workstations, offices for NU’s Student-Athlete Support Services staff and NCAA compliance personnel, as well as a classroom with a capacity of 60.
"This is a great day for Northeastern Athletics," O’Brien said. "We are committed to providing the best setting for our student-athletes, both academically and athletically. An academic center housed in our primary athletics building goes a long way toward accomplishing that goal. Our student-athletes are already achieving at an exceptional rate and the new center will only help improve our academic performance."
NU’s student-athletes, who compiled an impressive cumulative grade-point average of 2.94 in the most recent academic quarter, will be able to take advantage of various services at the center such as tutoring, study hall sessions, and academic and peer counseling.
The construction of the academic facility is the latest in a series of renovations to the Cabot Center. The entire lower level was recently gutted and reconstructed to include new and improved locker areas, team rooms, offices and meeting space. The athletic training area received a major facelift and a new state-of-the-art weight room was built.
The first phase of the Cabot renovation occurred upstairs when the gym was resurfaced and a new lighting system was installed. The gym was then totally refurbished with new seatback-style seating and rededicated to honor benefactors Bernard and Jolane Solomon.
O’Brien said he hopes the academic center can be completed by August 2003.
May 9, 2003
Plans for a new academic center to serve Northeastern’s student-athletes have been approved by university officials and construction will begin immediately, announced Athletic Director Dave O’Brien.
Photo of current space adjacent to Solomon Court to be used for academic center
Computer rendering of finished study area
Computer rendering of future academic center
Computer rendering of entry hallway to academic center
