The hallway to the left of the Alumni Lounge houses 66 new lockers for students to store their belongings.

Instead of walking all the way back to their dorm rooms and cars, or carrying around heavy books all day, both commuters and residents have the option to use lockers on a first-come, first-serve basis while on campus.

Students have Director of Space Management and Technical Services, Mario Pierce, to thank for the installment of these lockers. The lockers were originally intended for students in the North Hall Math Zone, but it soon became apparent to Pierce that they could be better utilized elsewhere. Pierce then spoke with the Director of Student Activities Gregory Overend about transferring the lockers to the Bartels Campus Center for all students to use.

In coordination with the Office of Student Activities and Facilities, the lockers were moved to their new home just in time for Commuter Appreciation Week. While all students are permitted to use the lockers, Pierce said they are a huge help in enhancing commuter life.

“I think it’ll give them a greater sense of home,” said Pierce. “If you got a place to put your belongings, you feel less transient.”

Overend said this type of project has been desired for a long time. “It’s something students have been looking for, for six or seven years,” said Overend, adding that the lockers give students the opportunity to avoid carrying around heavy backpacks.

The lockers work similarly to those at the Beckerman Recreation Center. To use a locker, simply punch in any number code (something unique, yet easily memorized) and place your things inside. To retrieve your belongings at the end of the day, punch in the same digit code used earlier. You can use different codes each time, or keep the same one.

After current locker use is evaluated, it will be determined if additional lockers are needed.

“We always look to provide greater service for students,” Pierce said.