The Memorial Union may undergo an extensive $11.5 million renovation in 2003 if ISU students decide to support the project.

Students have voiced concerns to the Memorial Union Board of Directors and the Government of the Student Body about renovating the historical building, which is under the jurisdiction of the students.

GSB will discuss the proposal at its meeting Wednesday.

“[Students] have always taken the initiative to ensure the Memorial Union remains its best,” said Alex Olson, at-large student member of the union Board of Directors.

The union has undergone 10 renovations since it opened its doors to the ISU community Sept. 23, 1928, said Andy Tofilon, GSB president. The building has remained under the control of students because they have paid for the renovations over the years and continue to pay off past construction debts.

If the students decide to support the proposed renovation, they would pay an additional $15 in student fees each semester to foot the bill for the extensive project.

Roger Ferris, associate director of operations for the union, said the project could make the building more handicap-accessible. Concerns have been raised that the union may not currently comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Tofilon said.

Tofilon said handicapped persons “have to literally go through kitchens and back rooms” to access certain parts of the union.

The renovation would also provide a home to a multicultural center, as well as a glass atrium west of the Food Court.

The firm of Herbert, Lewis, Kruse and Blunck of Des Moines has been chosen to design the proposed changes.

“We think that we’ve hired the best architects in the state,” Ferris said. He said the firm has been involved with the renovations of many historical and award-winning buildings in Iowa.

Olson said students are the only viable option to fund the proposed renovations.

The 2003 project would cost $11.5 million. This would come in addition to the outstanding $4.5 million debt from another renovation completed in 1995. With funding derived from student fees, Olson estimates the project would be paid for by 2022.

Tofilon said it is imperative for students to act now.

“Control of the union is at stake in the next year or two,” Tofilon said. He said if the building falls into a state of disrepair, the university could take control of the building.

If GSB passes the resolution, it will then go to a special Student Fees Committee, which will make a recommendation to President Gregory Geoffroy. The final decision on the project will be made by the Board of Regents vote next fall.

Ferris said he will seek the input of students throughout the renovation process.

GSB will meet at 7 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union.

ONLINE EXTRA: Meeting Minutes

General Orders

A senate bill to endorse a policy that no hats are to be worn by senators

at GSB meetings, with the exception of all articles recognized by various

religions. By Tosaka.

A senate bill to allocate $2,222.00 to the Marching Cyclone Drill Team from the GSB Special Projects Account. By Batsa and Kothenbeutel.

A senate bill to purchase two new 15-passenger vans for $39,826.78

from the GSB Special Projects Account. By Rodeck, Kothenbeutel and

others.

A senate bill to allocate $2495.25 to International Week. By

Kothenbeutel, Leege and others.

A senate bill to allocate $143,256.66 to the Government of the Student

Body through regular allocations. By Kothenbeutel and Leege.

A senate bill to require all executive cabinet officers to file a final report

no later than one week prior to leaving office. By Luken, Kothenbeutel and

others.

A senate bill to allocate $4,500 to the Iowa State Karate Club from the

Senate Discretionary Account. By Stallmann, Kothenbeutel and others.

A senate resolution to oppose the naming of the new Honors Building

after Martin Jischke. By Marvin, Rodeck and others.

A senate resolution to renovate the Memorial Union by supporting an

additional student fee not to exceed $15 per semester. By Luken, Leege

and others.

New Business

A senate bill to allocate $19,429.30 to the ISU Drumline Club. By Leege

and Fischer.

A senate bill to allocate $1,899.00 to the Student Organic Farm. By

Kothenbeutel, Luken and others.

A senate bill to approve the account allocations recommendations for

the next fiscal year. By Kothenbeutel, Stallmann and others.

A senate bill to add a Bylaw stating a case in the GSB Supreme Court

should not be considered by the court if four months have passed since

the action occurred. By Walling, Tinder and others.

A senate bill to allocate $1076.95 to the Academic Quiz Club. By Weaver,

Batsa and others.

A senate bill to allocate $730.48 to the ISU Roller Hockey Team. By

Tinder, Weaver and others.

A senate bill to transfer all funds remaining from the Senate

Discretionary Account as of Inauguration 2002 be transferred into the

Special Allocations for use in the fall of 2002. By Kothenbeutel, Stallmann

and others.

A resolution to ensure that Buchanan Hall remains an adult

undergraduate dormitory for students at least 21 years and older. By

Zeckmann and Leeds.

A senate order to censure Senator Shu Tosaka for nonfeasance after he

missed 30 percent of senate meetings. By Luken, Leege and others.

A senate resolution to recognize the accomplishments of ISU wrestler Cael Sanderson. By Walling, Luken and others.

A senate resolution requesting Parks Library be added to ISU President Gregory Geoffroy’s list of priorities to ensure it is not affected by future

budget cuts. By Sutherland, Leege and others.

A senate resolution encouraging the ISU administration to make every

reasonable endeavor to preserve the existing structure of Morrill Hall. By

Edgar and Leege.