Even with occupancy somewhat limited by safety-first social distancing, there always seems to be space available for students wishing to take advantage of Amarillo College’s practically new subterranean technology hub.

The Underground, located in the basement of the Ware Student Commons on the Washington Street Campus, is open to all AC students – whether it’s access to top-flight technology that they need, or just a great place to get work done.

The space, which opened in November of 2019, contains more than 130 computers and features numerous individual work stations, production and collaboration rooms, some 85-inch screens, and high-quality printers.

“I like to come in here and put my work up on the TV because it’s nice and big and I can see it really well,” said AC sophomore Riley Phipps. “The study rooms have these great tables that I can explode onto, really spread my stuff out.”

Study rooms are allocated on a first-come basis. MacBooks and laptops are available for checkout, as well.

Hours of operation are:

Monday-Thursday – 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday – 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Buster Bonjour, student help desk coordinator who supervises The Underground, says cameras and microphones have recently been installed in the study rooms, upgrades enabling high-caliber participation in Zoom-type conferences or class.

Not only is the facility equipped with the latest technology, it encompasses more than 11,000 square feet. Bonjour says students visiting for the first time often think they’ve come to the wrong place when the elevator doors first open.

“I sometimes have to explain to new students that the computers are in the back, on the other side of the study rooms,” Bonjour said. “People can’t believe how big this place really is.

“A lot of students simply come to The Underground to take advantage of the printers we have,” he added. “The printers are very popular here.”

To help defray the costs associated with printing this semester, the College has credited all student accounts with $20 just to help everyone’s bottom line. Students can use the print funds on all AC campuses, not just at The Underground.

-Amarillo College