Published: May 19, 2025
MONROVIA – The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has announced a $538,000 expansion project to construct a new, state-of-the-art faculty lounge at the university’s Fendell campus, as the Capitol Hill facility marked its one-year anniversary with reflections on success, growing pains, and community feedback.
ULFA Secretary-General Eric T. S. Patten made the announcement Saturday, May 17, during celebrations marking the first anniversary of the existing lounge on Capitol Hill. Patten said the new lounge, which will be three times larger, is intended to provide a more dignified, professional space for faculty and staff.
“We’re finalizing repayments for the current facility, and soon we’ll launch a fundraising campaign for the Fendell lounge,” Patten told The Liberian Investigator. “It’s about time our faculty enjoyed the comfort they deserve.”
The Capitol Hill lounge, refurbished at a cost of over $180,000, was financed through a mix of internal resources, a commercial bank loan, and a $50,000 loan from the UL Faculty Credit Union. Patten confirmed that the Credit Union loan is on track for full repayment within a year.
He praised the lounge’s staff for their dedication despite ongoing financial and operational challenges. To ensure professionalism and oversight, ULFA appointed two liaison officers to work directly with the lounge’s management team. Feedback boxes have also been installed to collect customer suggestions.
Lounge Staff Speak Out: Praise and Pressure
Marcah Lamah, the lounge supervisor, described how poor customer behavior—especially non-payment during busy hours—often results in salary deductions for staff.
“Some customers leave without paying. When that happens, the loss comes out of my pay,” Lamah said. She also cited rude behavior and restroom misuse by students as persistent issues, even as staff strive to improve.
Waitress Josephine Kpateh shared similar frustrations, saying that customers occasionally reject food after placing orders, leading to losses. Still, she expressed appreciation to ULFA for providing reliable employment.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to support our families with a stable income,” Kpateh said.
Mixed Customer Feedback: Comfort vs. Consistency
Regular patron Rebecca Finda Johnson praised the lounge for its clean, welcoming atmosphere and consistent service. “I’ve never had a bad experience. It’s one of the best spaces on campus,” she said.
However, another customer, who declined to be named, noted a drop in service quality over the last six months. He recalled a frustrating incident when the lounge was overwhelmed by participants from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) event, making it difficult for regular patrons to get service.
He recommended hiring short-term staff during major events to improve efficiency while maintaining the lounge’s core strengths—affordability, cleanliness, and menu quality.
As ULFA moves ahead with its Fendell project, Patten said the Association remains committed to transparency, excellence, and addressing all feedback constructively. “This lounge is a symbol of progress. With your continued support, we’ll keep building,” he added.
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