As Shannon Moriarty searched for a place to study on campus, she was surprised to see the otherwise 24/7 Newell Hall closed.
Moriarty, a UF art history sophomore, realized the study hall was closed for home football games.
“I felt pretty disappointed,” the 19-year-old said. “As a student who lives off campus, it’s kind of like a hit or miss whether or not it’s going to be quiet at my house, so I kind of have to be able to have somewhere 24/7 to work.”
Moriarty said she was upset there wouldn’t be places to study during or after this weekend’s noon football game against Vanderbilt University. Other libraries close at 6 p.m., and Newell will not be open.
“It’s impossible to work in an actual study space on campus on gameday,” she said. “It’s just rough because my midterms are next week.”
As with every home game, on-campus facilities like Newell Hall, the Student Recreation & Fitness Center and Broward Recreation Center will be closed, UF spokesperson Margot Winick said. Winick said it’s a standard procedure.
Safety and security factors are assessed when it comes to determining when buildings will be open, because most of these spaces are staffed by students, Winick said.
“Building closure is based on university practice,” Winick said. “Some facilities are closed in alignment with standard university closure practices, based on proximity to the football stadium.”
@Christina_M18
cmorales@alligator.org
