Students will notice many changes on campus as they come back from summer break, and in some instances, for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown.
Texas Tech University takes pride in its beautiful Spanish Renaissance-style architecture while continuously adding new spaces for a fast-growing student body. While aesthetics is of paramount importance, functionality also is essential – and more so now in a fast-paced, digital and socially distanced world.
Since March 2020, Texas Tech has invested millions of dollars into new facilities, building renovations, technology, equipment and more. Take a moment to read about the following changes on campus to ensure a seamless transition back to Raiderland.
Campus bookstore
Follet is now running the campus bookstore that used to be operated by Barnes & Noble. Students can expect the same merchandise and resources in the store along with the café serving Starbucks coffee. It is located in the same place on the West side of the Student Union Building (SUB).
ID office
The ID office has moved across the hallway in the SUB and is now next to Prosperity Bank on the north side of the building.
Pedestrian Mall (R-7 parking lot)
The R-7 parking lot between the SUB and Administration Building is undergoing construction this summer to provide a safer and more aesthetically pleasing space for the campus community.
Dairy Barn
After 100 years, the Dairy Barn got a much-needed restoration. Thanks to a $3.5 million fundraising effort, the historic building has been reestablished as a functional, collaborative educational space. The renovation includes a first-floor space that brings together students and faculty from all disciplines with hands-on approach features. There also is a multipurpose loft on the second floor that provides room for lectures, receptions, conferences and other large meetings and productive educational functions.
Lime Scooter relaunch
A popular mode of transportation has returned to campus. After being removed due to COVID-19 precautions, the scooters are back and ready to get students to class this fall. Lime encourages students to ride safely and use the scooters responsibly. To use a scooter, download the Lime app.
Raider Ride relaunch
The evening transportation service offered by Texas Tech's Transportation and Parking Services is once again available. From 6 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. seven days a week during the semester, this shuttle service provides a safe way for students to get around campus. To request a ride, download the TapRide app. A valid student ID is required.
Updated bus routes
There are two new bus routes navigating through campus, with a new stop outside the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center and a second new stop on the East side of the SUB. The bus will no longer stop on the North side of the SUB as that street is now permanently closed. Additionally, buses will no longer run along Memorial Circle. See the updated route map here and track your bus with the DoubleMap app.
Lot C10 expansion
Lot C10, part of Commuter West located north of the Animal and Food Sciences building, has undergone renovations and expansion to offer additional parking spaces.
Raider Room renovations
There are new Raider Rooms across campus in the Chemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering buildings. These rooms are centrally scheduled and maintained classrooms that are available to users in all academic disciplines.
The School of Veterinary Medicine
Texas Tech is excited to announce its new School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo. The school's inaugural class of 64 students began their first day on Aug. 16.
Skyviews Restaurant
Skyviews Restaurant on the top floor of the Texas Tech Plaza building on 19th Street and University Avenue underwent renovations. The restaurant is operated by the Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management (RHIM) program in the College of Human Sciences.
Huckabee Lounge
Located on the first floor of the Architecture building, the Huckabee Lounge is a brand-new common area with collaborative study areas, vending machines and comfortable seating.
Weeks Hall
Renovations in Weeks Hall are now complete. The renovations enhanced office space for faculty and staff and added student workspaces. The project scope included site utilities, new HVAC, lighting, technology, interior finishes and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) modifications. There also is ADA surface parking and landscape enhancements along with public art.
Womble Basketball Practice Facility
The Womble Center, which was funded entirely through philanthropic gifts to The Campaign for Fearless Champions, represents the premier basketball facility in the country, providing both men's and women's basketball programs a permanent home for player development and strength and conditioning workouts.
15th & Akron Street closure
15th Street, in front of the SUB, is now closed from Boston Avenue to Akron Avenue due to the altered bus routes and the construction of the R7 Pedestrian Mall.
Mobile dining on-campus
Hospitality Services has rolled out a new mobile food ordering app for the Texas Tech campus, and it is now available at several locations. Students can use the Transact Mobile Ordering app to order food for pickup with an on-campus dining plan. All on-campus dining plans will work exactly as they normally do with the same discounts, and there are no fees for placing an order through the app. Check out this video on how to download the Transact Mobile Ordering app. When placing your first order, be sure to select your correct on-campus dining plan at checkout.
Also, get $3 off your next order of $7 or more by using code WRECKEM at checkout. Valid through May 3, 2022.
Hospitality Services' new hiring incentives
Hospitality Services has student positions available in the residence dining halls, the food court areas in the SUB, at any Sam's Place mini-market locations, at The Market at Stangel/Murdough and even with Top Tier catering. No matter what kind of atmosphere students are looking to work in, Hospitality Services has an accommodating position. Advantages include flexible scheduling to work around class schedules, holidays off, competitive pay rates, fast advancement opportunities and free meals for students.
To join the team, drop by the Hospitality Services office located in the Wiggins Complex and complete an application or download a printable application and email it to dee.nguyen@ttu.edu
University Recreation (formerly known as Recreational Sports)
University Recreation has officially changed its name. Formerly known as “Recreational Sports,” University Recreation still offers the same great programs and facilities with the same great people.
Along with a new name, University Recreation has added new equipment for rec center members to enjoy:
- 32 Stages SC3 Indoor Bikes
- 18 Star Trac 10 Series Freerunner Treadmills
- 8 Woodway 835 TRM Treadmills
- 10 Precor 835 TRM Treadmills
- 6 Concept 2 Rowing Machines
- 2 Nautilus Glute Drive Machines
- 2 Ab's Company Tire Flip 180
Students can find new updates and expansion in and around the Rec Center. The CrossFit program floor has expanded by more than 765 square feet, allowing for more participants in the nationally certified fitness program. There also has been new PLAE commercial flooring installed.
There is new ROTC and Army Fitness Combat test sites up in Urbanovsky Park. While mostly utilized by ROTC, it will be available for public use most evenings and weekends.
