The Cedric Rucker University Center (CRUC)’s mission is to provide a campus center that fosters a collaborative and respectful environment where members of the UMW community can engage in their extracurricular and academic pursuits. And, eat three meals a day- or get an in-between meal snack- or more!
From private nooks for studying and socializing, to the large ballroom complete with sound and stage offerings; from the fourth-floor dining center, to a range of bookable spaces; from the many student-centric office suites, to the quiet meditation space, to a spacious lounge for off-campus students – the Cedric Rucker University Center is dedicated to student success.
This 105,685 square foot facility opened in the Fall of 2015. The Office of Events and Conferencing manages the Cedric Rucker University Center and, along with the Events AV Office and the student Concierge Services Team, supports numerous events and meetings. Please contact Ryan Imirie, the CRUC Facilities and Events Manager, with any questions, or stop by the Concierge Services Information Desk on the 2nd floor. Non-University rentals, please contact the Office of Events and Conferencing to book or get information or pricing.
About the CRUC
The 1st floor of the CRUC features:
– Chandler Ballroom: Chandler Ballroom is an extensive, dynamic event space available to the UMW community. It is ideal for large group presentations, meals for large gatherings, and parties with many attendees.
– UMW Catering and UMWDining offices and kitchens. The dining hall is on the 4th floor- see below for more information.
– Veteran’s Resource Center, Room 114A
The 2nd Floor of the CRUC features:
– Gourley Living Room and the smaller South Living Room: These spaces are located in the three-story atrium with a view out onto Ball Circle. Filled with comfy chairs and sofas, the Living Rooms are great for quiet reading, for gathering with friends before heading upstairs for a meal, or just hanging out. The Living Rooms are frequently reset with tables in a fair style for events
– Kiosks for Tabling: Three Kiosk tables are located at the foot of the grand staircase. Kiosks are available throughout the week for student organizations to have bake sales, to advertise upcoming events, to sell tickets, etc. University departments may use them for recruiters, for giveaways, surveys, and more. Reserve these through 25Live.
– Center for Career and Professional Development, Suite 206. Resumes, advice: see them for assistance with the transition from college to career and the world of work
– Information Desk: The Concierge Services student staff is responsible for providing on-site assistance in the CRUC (along with the Digital Auditorium, and the Underground) during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Responsibilities include staffing the Information Desk in the CRUC and setting up rooms for events in all three areas. New staff are hired (jobs.umw.edu) at the beginning of each semester as needed. If there’s a question, please ask, or call the desk directly: 540-654-5645
– Panera Bread: Panera is located behind the stairs on the CRUC 2nd floor. Panera offers a wide variety of popular and innovative comfort foods, including breads and pastries baked from scratch daily. Open while fall and spring classes are in session; closed over the summer and during breaks. Panera accepts Swipes and Grubhub in addition to credit and debit cards. See UMWDining for specific hours and menu offerings.
– Games Area: There is an area for lounging and games, including pool, air hockey, and shuffleboard tables, in the back part of Panera. Games equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be checked out using an EagleOne Card at the Concierge Services Information Desk.
– Meditation Space: The Meditation space, located near the Information Desk, provides students from all backgrounds and cultures a supportive and spiritually nourishing environment to pray, reflect, and relax. A quiet space dedicated to individual self-knowledge and renewal enhances the campus experience for many students. Please read the guidelines for use before reserving the space. Information Desk staff opens the room, and the JFMC manages its use and guidelines.
The 3rd floor of the CRUC features:
– Office of the Dean of Students and Student Involvement, Suite 325. At the top of the stairs, head to the left past the large oval-shaped sofa, continue to the end of the hall.
– Student Activities and Engagement and New Student Programs, Suite 303. At the top of the stairs, turn right.
– James Farmer Multicultural Center, Suite 319. At the top of the stairs, turn left.
– Center for Community Engagement, Suite 320. At the top of the stairs, turn left.
– Colonnade Room, Room 315, is the CRUC’s largest meeting room. At the top of the stairs.
– Capital Room, Room 314, has a large, fixed conference table with board room style chairs. At the top of the stairs, go forward and then to the right.
– UMW eSports Arena, Suite 306. At the top of the stairs, go forward then right past the Capital Room. With UMW esports, Mary Washington Athletics provides a vibrant co-curricular experience that will be shaped and defined by students eager to grow and compete in a burgeoning sport.
– The 3rd floor also contains many reading nooks with just a few chairs and tables, or a group of lounge chairs- perfect for studying away from home or chatting with friends.
The 4th floor of the CRUC features:
– The Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC (UMWDining). Offers students and guests a wide array of delicious menu options in all-you-care-to-eat dining environment. Dining is open when classes are in session, but closed or on limited hours during breaks. See the UMWDining website for specific hours, menus and other detailed information.
– Maple Room, a private dining room
– Linden Terrace: Linden has an outside balcony area with rocking chairs overlooking Ball Circle. The inside area surrounds the main staircase with more soft furniture and tables and chairs. Open for seating if not booked for an event.
– Off-Campus student lounge, Room 406A. Equipped with couches, chairs, tables, a microwave, and other amenities for students who commute and need a space to “be” between classes. Open daily 7am – 10pm when the CRUC is open.