News has been rattling the campus about the upcoming eHive providing more campus opportunities through the Nest. Not only could it benefit students, but it could also save money for the university by making in house products. The hours currently fluctuate, however, as standard hours are being put into place. The current hours are Mondays through Fridays, noon to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., based on staffing. 

 The Nest sells apparel such as hoodies, crewnecks, tshirts and sweatpants. It also sells smaller Waynesburg branded things such as stickers, coffee cups and mugs. The local section currently includes handmade stings and new eHive makerspace items that include laser engraved Bibles, planners and notebooks. 

Cassy Dorsch, the director of the eHive and the Nest, is coming up with new ways to improve the Nest. She oversees the Nest, but also oversees the student workers, teaches managerial experience, orders products and staffs the store. 

Dorsch describes the upcoming eHive and the Nest relationship as “exciting.”  Now that the technology is figured out and more students are getting involved, the Nest and eHive are ready to be more active with everyone on campus. 

“Our goal is that the eHive is one of our suppliers at the Nest,” Dorsch said. “They kind of work hand and hand together.” 

According to Dorsch, the eHive counsels and teaches students, while the Nest provides students with hands-on experience that allows them to market their business ideas right on campus, while the Nest is a lab for students so they can test market their products and get real world business experience through this program. There are pop-up events that are held throughout the year that allow for skill development in retail. The Nest also does surveys so they can give the best experience to their customers and so they can improve the student experience as well. 

Dorsch said, “Their excitement and their passion is definitely something that’s my favorite part.” 

Andrew Heisey, Chief Maker and chair for the Department of Fine Arts, said he is also excited for the eHive to work with the university and to see what the students will come up with. 

“This is not just housed in one department,” Heisey said. “It’s something for every single department across campus.” 

Not only will the Nest provide experience, it will provide students with more than just a college degree. It will allow them to test products in the real world, let them manage the space, take inventory and work along the lines of human resources. 

The Nest will give students an opportunity to explore their own ideas and their creativity by utilizing these resources provided right here on campus. 

“The mission of the university makes this space stand out,” Heisey said. “Our students want to serve the community, they have a drive of service.”