Common Grounds is Moving Up!

Common Grounds is on the move! Since 2003, it has been located in the basement of the BMU and is now finding its way to the first floor. We have spoken with Corinne Knapp, Dining Services Retail Manager, who has been able to give us a thorough update on its progress.

Could you expand a bit more on the reason for the move?

We have been continually astounded by how many students did not know there was coffee shop in the basement of the BMU. It was very much an out of sight out of mind location. The location in the basement was never built to be a coffee shop. When the BMU opened there was a game room down there and that area was a place for a cashier. It was never designed for a food operation and most certainly not for a coffee shop. There are some structural concerns that do not meet health code. We looked into the options of bringing that space up to health code, but without increase foot traffic that didn’t make much sense. The new location is designed from the ground up to be compliant with health code requirements as well as efficient for a coffee operation.

Where will we find Common Grounds in fall?

It is on the first floor of the BMU where the info center and Conference Services area used to be. We have made the choice to temporarily (only during the Summer) locate it in the Marketplace Café area. The reasons for this are to allow us to transition our equipment to the new area with the least about of down time and impact to our customers.

What is the advantage of moving to the main floor?

We are hoping for increased foot traffic to the cafe. Customers who may not have been thinking about a latte will most like be after walking by our new location.

Are you looking to change the name or keep it the same?

We are exploring name change ideas. Suggestions are welcome and can be sent to clknapp@csuchico.eduu with the subject line: BMU Coffee Shop Name Ideas.

Will there be more space and seating available in the new location?

More space for service, which will mean our employee, can work more efficiently to get you your order faster. Very little additional seating. Seating will still be available in the old Common Grounds location and throughout the BMU.



Will there be new options added to the menu? Will it remain the same?

The core coffee menu will remain the same. We will be adding upscale prepared sandwiches, salads, and snacks to the menu lineup.

When should we expect the new location to be open?

Our new location will be opening for the start of Fall 2013 if all goes as planned.

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For more information, visit the Associated Students Dining Services Facebook page.

How I Turned My College Town into My College Home

Hello Chico State! My name is Shyna Deepak, and I am the new social media intern for the Department of Public Affairs and Publications. I am about to enter my senior year, working on my BFA in Electronic Arts with a minor in communication design. After spending three years in Chico, I feel comfortable enough so say I have experienced a great deal here—the good and the bad.

“Holi: Festival of Colors”

As we all are aware, Chico State has a mixed reputation. Every visit to my hometown in the Bay Area, I run into someone who asks me what I do. I tell them I am a student at Chico State, and in response, I almost always get a wink as they say something along the lines of “majoring in partying, huh?” You would think it would be people my age range making this comments, but in fact I mostly hear it from adults in my parents’ social circle. It’s pretty embarrassing, and I always try to come up with a clever response.

However, when I am in Chico, I try my best to help this “party school” reputation disappear. I want to be able to explain to people that there is so much more to Chico than the nightlife. Within this small college town, I have learned about the existence of so many different types of communities. Chico State offers so much more than an education—it offers a home. A home is a place that should be respected. Who enjoys people running through their house and making a mess? Definitely not me!

  Don’t get me wrong. I would be lying if I said that I haven’t had any youthful indiscretions. But I have learned from my mistakes and choose not to live an unhealthy lifestyle.

“Bingo’s a Drag” at the UHUB

Since I have ventured away from this scene, I have learned more about what opportunities present themselves here in the town of Chico. We have an amazing park that includes outdoor planetarium, not to mention the abundance of quirky stores, 24-hour donuts and diners, and the most delicious independent restaurants. Chico has a small-town charm that I’ve grown to love and cherish.

What is there to do here? Well, last weekend my friend and I biked to T-Bar  through Bidwell Park, and made it in time for their happy hour. I got pomegranate lemonade and a chicken wrap—yum! During midterms, I went to the WREC and saw people studying with their flashcards in the hot tub. They were able to study and de-stress at the same time! On occasion, I will invite a friend over to watch cheesy horror movies and eat pita chips with hummus. If I’m alone, I’ll just watch 30 Rock on Netflix or brainstorm ideas for DIY projects (via Pinterest).

Participating in the Vagina Monologues

When it comes to your Thursday, Friday, or Saturday nights, I’ve found there are plenty of things to do- you just need to figure out what makes your Chico Experience yours.