After the Academic Information Resource Center extended its hours last semester to 24-hours a day from Sunday through Thursday, the facility – known as the Hornet Lounge – now has heating and air-conditioning and features new security systems, attracting more students to take advantage of the study area.

The 24-hour study lounge, located on the second floor of the AIRC at Sacramento State, was re-opened Oct. 1 by Information Resources and Technology.

The Hornet Lounge was previously handled by Computing, Communications and Media Services. As of this semester, IRT is officially in charge of the lounge.

Although CCMS granted the 24-hour service proposal, ASI and CCMS could not finance the needed air-conditioning and heating, due to the fact that the extra expenses exceeded the budget assigned to the AIRC at the time.

Vice President and Chief Information Officer of IRT Larry Gilbert said IRT is financing the heating and air-conditioning system.

Gilbert said last semester, the lack of cooling affected attendance between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the hotter months of April and May. Since that issue has been resolved, there has been a larger turnout at the Hornet Lounge.

“I think that the 24-hour operation of cooling and heating, plus new security features, will further increase student use of the facility.” he said.

Further, IRT worked with University Police to develop a security system for AIRC computer labs and study areas, as well as wired security systems for all computers and equipment.

With midterms currently in session, students are taking advantage of the study areas in AIRC.

“During midterms and as exams approach, attendance skyrockets in AIRC areas with literally hundreds of students occupying the labs and study areas from early morning until evening hours,” Gilbert said.

He said the Hornet Lounge has 100 percent occupancy during the majority of the day.

Business accounting major Wanida Nawab said that she studies at the AIRC four to six times a week. She said that she prefers to study at the facility, rather than at home, because it serves as a quieter environment.

“I can bring my kid here, and sit and study,” she said.

She said that she has seen many students stay all night at the lounge to study.

“They bring a pillow and maybe sleep for 30 minutes, then study again,” she said.

Another student, senior criminal justice major Karina Morales, said she also prefers to study at the lounge, instead of at home.

“I can’t focus at home and find a million things to do to distract me,” she said.

Last semester, Jesus Andrade – former Associated Students Inc. president – proposed that the AIRC be opened past normal operating hours at a board meeting. The ASI board of directors agreed collectively upon his proposal.

Evelyn Bigelyaizen can be reached at [email protected].