The Alumni Association has made changes to the prices for alumni who use the Pennington Student Activity Center, also known as the REC.

The proposal was first approved Friday, Nov. 8 and was implemented Nov. 11. Alumni are still required to be members of the Alumni Association in order to gain access to the Student Activity Center, but the price has been decreased from $40 per month to $20.

Jean Bernard, associate director of operations and facilities, explained how these changes came about.

“We created a proposal for new membership prices with the justification and research we did and sent it for approval through the Dean of Students and the Vice President of Student Affairs up to the President’s office,” shared Bernard. “The process began back in May.”

Bernard explained that the previous rates offered to alumni were not competitive or comparable to other gyms in the area. She clarified why the changes made sense for the REC.

“We took a look at our previous membership prices in comparison to other fitness and recreation centers in the surrounding area,” mentioned Bernard. “We wanted our prices to be competitive in the market to encourage more alumni and community members to stay involved with Southeastern through the REC.”

Bernard also included that changes do not impact the current alumni who use the REC.

“There’s no impact to current members, except that they’ll be able to renew at these lower prices,” said Bernard.

Bernard also shared that additional changes will be coming for the student activity center. Additions include visual improvements to the REC and new equipment for the recently opened expansion space. She also elaborated on the advancements students and alumni can look forward to.

“We have new equipment coming in for our expansion area that we opened up this fall and a ribbon cutting once that area is complete,” commented Bernard. “We’ve also begun making a few cosmetic changes around the facility. In fact, the Southeastern logo was put up above our front desk this morning.”

For more information regarding the REC and its memberships, visit the membership desk in the Student Activity Center or call at 985-549-5591.