"Though I don't think it's correct to say that Loker was designed as a 'student life center,' the Memorial Hall/Lowell Hall advisory committee was concerned at its last meeting about the degree to which Loker is seen as an attractive and entertaining place for students to gather, and the costs of maintaining its operations as they are now being carried out," Lewis wrote in an e-mail message on Thursday.
"As a result of discussions in that group, we are looking at the operations there in search of ways to make the space of greater utility," Lewis continued.
The student patrons of Loker already have their share of ideas.
Spence suggests a capitalist route for improvement for Loker Commons.
"They should contract out these services--have a Starbucks, Taco Bell and other well-known restaurants," he says.
Others suggest improving the commons by installing arcades and a television and having jazz music.
Coffey himself has many ideas about how to change the focus and spirit of Loker Commons, including televisions, DJs, areas with couches and pool tables, and a student resource center.
On Sunday night, Coffey introduced a proposal to the Undergraduate Council to convert the commons' former newsstand space into a resource center that would be staffed by council members and other student groups. His proposal was subsequently approved.
Coffey told The Crimson that this proposed "information center" would function to distribute publications, tickets, and other information about Harvard resources and student groups.
"We hope to be coming up with ideas on how to improve Loker Commons and will be soliciting input from students on how they would improve the Commons," Coffey says.
Administrator Response
Most administrators agree that changes are necessary.
"I think students want an institution that increases the sense of coherence and community at the College," says Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III. "We, therefore, have to strengthen student use perhaps by giving the entertainments of the coffee house a higher profile. I hope then that they will draw students to it."
Some are even pleading for input from students.
"We are struggling with finding the answers [to Loker Commons' financial/social problems]," Condenzio says. "My message is: it's expensive. We're open to any ideas, thoughts and comments that may help us."