Building for Bears
New student center to elevate Macon campus
Mercer University is investing in a dynamic new student center on its historic Macon campus to further elevate campus life and strengthen a sense of belonging for current and future generations of students.
The modern, reimagined gathering space, slated to open in August 2028, will replace Connell Student Center, which is scheduled for demolition this summer.
The Building for BEARS (Belong-Engage-Aspire-Relax-Savor) project, designed with student input on how to enhance living, dining and learning experiences, will house the University’s primary dining hall, common areas, meeting spaces and student affairs offices.
- Explore expanded dining offerings available during construction
- Connect with Student Affairs and their new offices
- Share your memories of Connell and see student reactions
- View naming opportunities for the new student center (coming soon)
Where To Go: Expanded Dining Options and Student Affairs
Summer dining services
- 2026 offerings mirror traditional summer dining offerings and hours of operation. Visit the Meal Memberships website for complete details.
Fall dining services
- Fresh Food Company, opening in Penfield Hall, serves as Mercer’s primary residential dining location, offering a buffet-style, all-you-care-to-eat experience. All food stations previously available in Fresh Food Company via Connell will remain available – along with expanded options!
- Farmers Market in the University Center is also being expanded to accommodate more diners, including the addition of an awning, fans, heaters and more seating to its outdoor patio.
- The Drop (contactless pickup) → Tarver Library
- Tot’s Corner → Legacy Hall
- Toby’s To Go Food Truck → Cruz Plaza
Visit the Meal Memberships website for complete details and hours of operation >
Offices previously located in Connell have relocated to:
- The Office of Student Affairs and Office of Student Conduct Resolution will be in the main office of the Mercer Innovation Center.
- The Office of Housing and Residence Life will relocate its housing operations and facilities staff to the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism. Additional staff will be in House No. 1651 in Greek Village.
- The Office of Access and Accommodations will be in Room 357 of the Tarver Library.
- Trio programs, including Upward Bound, Student Support Services and the Educational Opportunity Center, will relocate to the first and second floors of Tarver Library.
- The Office of Campus Life will be in House No. 1673 in Greek Village.
Share Your Memories
We encourage the Mercer community to contribute reflections, stories, and photographs that capture their memories of Connell.
Building renderings for illustration purposes only as final design may change.