According to the University of California's research, the new student center changed the students' perception of the campus. Prior research indicated that students felt as if there was nothing to do on campus and that they would rather go home on the weekends. Jones and Owens both believe that prospective students might be more interested in attending Ball State, and current students might be more inclined to stay on campus on the weekends if a student center were located at the crossroads of the university. Owens believes it would also offer a home ground for off-campus students. Owens focuses on another positive result a new student center would provide, that of cultural and organizational integration.
Many student groups have office space at the current student center, but lack community.
The organizations currently are scattered from one floor to the next. The Office of Multicultural Affairs is presently located in a separate building adjacent to the student center. It would join the other organizations in a new facility, according to Jones. With the case stated and the research complete, planning has begun. The new center will not only accommodate organizational needs, but it will also provide centrally located amenities that officials hope will provide a focal point of social life for the Ball State community.