Yusuf McNeely, Julius Jones, Tommie Farr and Solomon Conyers chill in front of the Alfonso Elder Student Union Tuesday. (Photo:Roderick Heath/Echo Photo Editor)

Outside the Alfonso Elder Student Union, students occasionally hang out before, after and even during classes.

But with the territory come restrictions.

The campus police patrol the area and administrators keep it in order.

New construction has limited pedestrian and vehicle traffic blocking the entrance.

“There has been an increase of students who come to the student union,” said Constance Roberson, program director.

One of the primary goals of the union is to enrich students’ experiences while implementing an educational and activity program that will support residential and academic efficiency at N.C. University.

This goal supports the mission and vision of the Division of Student Affairs at the University.

Athletic training and recreation junior Sherell Smith, a transfer student from Virginia, said she feels comfortable in the lounge at the union.

“I wouldn’t notice any changes at NCCU because I am new, but I feel the student union is a place I can kick back and relax,” she said.

Some students think otherwise.

“A lot of people don’t come to the student union because there is nowhere to sit outside,” said marketing senior Bano Owens.

Owens also explained that random checks of student IDs upset him.

“The police made me leave the union because I didn’t have my card, but they knew I went to school on a regular basis,” Owens said.

Even though he feels stereotyped because he doesn’t look like an average student, he would purchase clothing from the bookstore.

Political science senior Jamar McKoy said he loves the union. “It’s a place of fellowship and the upgrade in the game room is the beginning of many changes to come at NCCU,” McKoy said

Inside the union, students wait in long lines while trying to find the cheapest books. That’s depressing for business management junior Stakesha St. Clair.

“The prices aren’t reasonable, and if I need to get something quick I should be able to find a bargain,” she said.

Other students feel the same way.

“The cashiers at the Eagles Nest take too long, and the prices are a little much,” said business management senior Quientin Fairman.

“It makes me want to go eat at Burger King.”