GRAND FORKS (AP) - The University of North Dakota's American Indian Center is drawing more students in its new location, which offers improved facilities, a nicer atmosphere and a better location, officials say.

"There's a noticeable increase in traffic," said Donna Brown, assistant director of American Indian Services. "We see it in the computer lab and the study areas. Overall, staff and students feel really good about coming here."

The center moved to its new location in March. The old center, a converted house, was significantly smaller and spread administrators and counselors across three floors, Brown said. A few counselors were even housed in a damp basement, she said.

The new center has 22 computers for students to use for research and homework. The old center had only eight old computers, and Brown said they had been reconstructed from parts of even older machines. The new computer lab also has an adjacent playroom so parents can work without hiring a baby sitter.

Student B.J. Rainbow said that at the old center, he used to do homework in the living room where other students were talking and watching television.

"I have a wife and two kids," he said. "At the old center, it was the same as doing homework at home. Now, I can do homework in the computer lab or in the conference room."

The center also has a kitchen with new appliances. The appliances and a full meeting room have come in handy during the free soup lunches the center offers on Fridays, Brown said.

The new center has created a closer relationship among students, counselors and administrators, Brown said.

"At the old building, I'd be in my office all day and never see any students," she said. "Now, I walk through the kitchen and the computer lab all the time. We're not so untouchable to students. They see us walking around and say 'hi.'"