Something worth listening to

Listen up! For any student interested in relaxing to music, reading a magazine or playing a board game with friends, the CSUS Listening Center in the University Union is the place to go.

"Most students come to sleep, study or spend time alone," said desk attendant Al Villanveva. "It's a place for people to relax."

Students can chose from over 1000 CDs numbered in a catalog under different categories such as jazz, rock, pop and classical.

"You name it and we've got it," said Richard Schiffers, associate University Union director of the different music categories.

There are four rooms in the center. Three of the rooms hold one to three people and are filled with beanbags and chairs. The fourth room is larger and can hold up to seven people. It has two couches for reclining.

Each room has its own speakers and volume adjusters. Because the rooms are sound- proof, the music can played at any volume.

Students must show their CSUS identification card to use the facility. CDs are played from beginning to end only and there is no eating or drinking allowed in the rooms.

Students can stay at the center until their CD is over.

If there is no one waiting, they can stay longer.

"Sometimes we have to turn people away when the rooms are filled," said Villanveva. "If they want to wait, we put their names on a waiting list."

According to Villanveva the center is almost always packed.

Iris Cholula, a sophomore and undeclared major, brought her friend Nicole Lara, a sophomore majoring in psychology, to the Listening Center to listen to Janet Jackson.

"I've always come when it's too late and they are closed," said Lara. "I've heard it's a lot of fun."

Cholula said she visits the Listening Center between classes to listen to music and try to relax.

Students may also partake in board games or read a magazine.

"We have the most current magazines to suit everyone's taste," said Schiffers.

Magazine choices include "Cosmopolitan," "People," "YM" and more.

Board games include Scattegories, Monopoly, chess and others.

Funding for the center comes from the $71 Union fee each student pays at the beginning of each semester.

About $13,000 goes toward student assistant salaries and $3,000 covers the cost of supplies for the Center.