CSUB opens Technology Engagement Center

New hub gives students access to computers, gaming stations, 3D-printers

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 29^th, 2025

Students now have a new hangout space on campus where they can relax and recharge during breaks in their class schedules.

California State University, Bakersfield’s Information Technology Services (ITS) department has turned Computer Lab A in the Walter W. Stiern Library into the Technology Engagement Center (TEC), which gives students access to gaming stations, computers, 3-D printers and other equipment. The space has also been spruced up with new paint, carpeting and lighting.

CSUB will celebrate the launch of the center, which became available to students at the start of the fall semester, with a grand opening event on Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. It will include guest speakers, a Smash Bros. gaming tournament, photo booth and more.

“To see students in the space that we worked so hard on feels really rewarding,” said Jaimi Paschal, director of academic technology services and ITS Grants. “The goals are to support our students’ trajectory toward graduation on campus by engaging them through technology. We want to support the mission of the university by creating this space and align ITS with the vision that the president has put forth about being Kern County’s University.”

The idea for the TEC originated a few years ago as a place where students could engage in esports, which typically takes the form of multiplayer video game competitions. There has been growing interest in esports from students on campus in recent years, which has resulted in the creation of the Roadrunner Esports club.

Although the university initially planned for the space to serve primarily as an esports hub, it was decided that it would be better to expand the scope of the center to benefit more students.

“We tried to put together a space where we felt like we were engaging a larger portion of our student population and a place where students who are less technology savvy can feel comfortable,” Paschal said. “We envisioned this Technology Engagement Center as a place where we can engage CSUB students and contribute to their campus success.”

Paschal said one of the goals of the center is to provide an atmosphere that would feel comforting to students, such as through playing music and having minimal lighting.

“It’s just a really cool vibe. It feels like a place where you want to be,” she said. “It’s the only non-quiet computer lab on campus. Students are allowed to come in there, work together as a team and not feel like they have to be quiet.”

'A nice outlet'

Business finance major Noah Reynolds has been coming to the TEC a few times a week when he has time in between classes. While he used to spend that time upstairs in the main part of the library, Reynolds said he has come to prefer being in the Technology Engagement Center.

“It’s really nice,” he said. “It gives you a lot of options. I like how you have the esports area, but you can also just come in here and chill. I feel like I can do a lot more stuff here. It’s less restrictive.”

Fellow business major Inara Moua will often come to the center during class breaks to play video games such as “Fortnite” and “Marvel Rivals.”

“I like it because I don’t have this setup at home,” she said. “This is the only place where I game, besides playing on my phone.”

Computer science major Jonathan Torres said he appreciates having a place on campus where he can decompress after a class.

“It’s a nice distraction from all the stress that comes with homework and exams. Just having an hour here between classes helps me reset before I get back to the grind,” he said. “You might be stressed about your grade or how you could have done something better, and then you come here, and it feels like everything’s going to be fine.”

Torres said he is appreciative that CSUB has turned the computer lab into such an inviting place for students like himself.

“I’m really grateful for CSUB providing this space. I think it’s a nice outlet for a lot of students,” he said. “I think it’s great for people in terms of social skills. There’s been many times I’ve come in here and guys and girls alike will be willing to play with you. It feels like this is kind of an accepting environment for a lot of these people who may be struggling to make friends in other areas. It kind of opens up those doors to meeting new people.”

Paschal hopes that the TEC will not only provide a fun space for students and provide an opportunity for them to build relationships with each other, but that it will also help them in the classroom.

“I’m hoping they not only engage with the space but that they learn those skills that reinforce what they’re taught in class — teambuilding, critical thinking, how to navigate difficult situations,” she said. “I’m hoping that we are supporting what they’re being taught in the classroom by providing those additional skills, which will help them be successful.”

While the Technology Engagement Center has only been open a short time, Paschal said there are already plans in the works to add more features. The university is in the process of bringing console gaming stations to the center and there have been talks about giving students access to virtual reality headsets.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished with the center,” Paschal said. “We have a vision for how we can continue to grow the space and make it even better for students.”