The staff at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center is joining forces with students, faculty and staff members to form an advisory council to improve the center's environment.

Past problems with safety, socialization and damage at the center have spurred the council's formation, said Lawrence Young, the center's director.

Young wants 16 representatives from minority student organizations, African-American and Latino faculty, African/African-American studies faculty and two independent students not active in organizations to be on the council. The independent students will represent general student opinion, he said.

They will discuss how the center will be used, security, opportunities available at the center, the possibility of extending hours and guidelines for students as outlined in the University's student handbook, Young said.

Christine Patterson, the center's assistant director, said it is important to get everyone involved.

"I think anything that brings together African-American faculty and staff with the objective for recruiting and retaining students is a very positive move," she said.

In the past, problems with parties, alcohol consumption and damage to the building have been concerns raised by staff when sudents have suggested extending the center's hours, Young said. Although alcohol is prohibited at the center, as well as on campus, that has not stopped students from trying to consume it at the center, he added.

Young said students have suggested extending the hours to 4 or 6 a.m., but problems are created when security members are women, because it may be unsafe for them to walk home alone. Currently, the center is open to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

It is important to recognize that students will push rules as far as they can, he added.

"We've had damage to this facility caused by carelessness and recklessness," Young said.

The council will meet this February, March and April.

"The desire here is to get a broad based constituent agreed upon a set of conditions for the use of this facility," Young added.

Carina Defferrire, Latino Caucus president, said the group could make the center a more comfortable place for African-American and Latino students.

As for the relationship between faculty, staff and students, LaVerne Gyant, associate professor of African/African-American studies, said the group will bridge the communication gap between the two groups. Students should be able to talk to faculty and staff members about issues they are concerned about, such as graduate school and opportunities, she added.

Young said he plans to continue these goals when the center is expanded.

As part of the capital improvements project, the state authorized $21 million for the HUB/Robeson expansion in December 1992, but the funds have not been released. Tentative completion date for the expansion is 1997.