Engel said that many students had complained of being disoriented, dizzied and confused by the long stream of multicolored graphics and student poetry that flowed constantly from one end of the commons to the other.

Now the LED will scroll vertically instead of horizontally, making it easier on the eyes, and it will automatically display entries from the College's new campus calendar. The large square LED screen at one end of the Commons will continue to be used for more artistic purposes, administrators said.

The overhead lighting will be dimmed at night to make a more relaxed atmosphere, Engel said.

"We want to make it a place where people feel like they can put their feet up and kick back," he said. A few areas feature new, couch-like seats to foster this casual atmosphere.

The concert and performance series that was implemented last semester will continue, and a new series of faculty readings and performances is slated to begin this semester.

Engel said he hopes the Commons will host more informal events as well. An extensive new sound system has been installed, and students are encouraged to host their own study breaks in the space.

"Food service may stop at 9[p.m.], but we want students to remember the Commons is open until 1:30 [a.m.]," Engel said. In special cases, Loker officials could arrange for later food service hours, he added.