Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of The Forum—a new reservable space for the campus community. This state-of-the-art facility, located in the Pavillion (Building 19, adjacent to 1901 Marketplace), features technologically advanced amenities tailored to enhance presentations and virtual meeting capabilities. The introduction of this space addresses the growing demand for group venues and aims to foster collaboration and creativity among our campus community.
The Forum accommodates up to 100 people and features amphitheater seating composed of three large wood benches, complete with ample power outlets. A versatile podium at the front of the space allows for seamless integration to laptops for presenters. Adjustable theatrical lighting, TV monitors strategically placed for speaker and audience viewing, and wireless access points for strong Wi-Fi connectivity make The Forum an ideal venue for both in-person and virtual meetings. The space also features a Nanawall, which allows for seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments.
The project began in 2017 when the University Union Advisory Board (UUAB), a branch within ASI Student Government advocated for the inclusion of student-serving spaces within the UU neighborhood. Following years of feasibility studies and design feedback sessions, ASI partnered with the Cal Poly Corporation in 2020 through the allocation of $2.3 million to bring the space to life. In addition to The Forum, the UUAB also advocated for and funded a separate lactation room within building 19A to support the campus community.
Ron Skamfer, Director—Facility Management at ASI, spoke to the project’s completion, “The Forum is something we’ve been working on since 2017, through unforeseen challenges caused by the pandemic. It is exciting to be able to offer a new reservable space within ASI’s portfolio of managed facilities on campus, which has been an identified need for our campus community. This space and the work that went into it is something we are proud of. This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of ASI and the UUAB in addressing the evolving needs of the campus community.”
The Forum opened April 8, 2024. Reservations will open to Registered Student Organizations beginning April 2, 2024, for event hosting beginning April 22, 2024; and to campus departments April 8, 2024, for event hosting beginning April 29, 2024. Visit the ASI-Managed Facilities website for additional space and reservation information.
