The Memorial Union Board of Directors is struggling to maintain its momentum as it attempts to determine whether or not to remain independent of Iowa State. “No one really knows what will happen at this point,” said Mary Jo Mertens, director of the Union. The decision-making process currently is not progressing, said Ben Golding, Government of the Student Body president. “The independence issue, in one short word, is `stalled,'” he said. Jennifer Spencer, student-at-large representative for the Union board, said the board is using the time to determine which action would most benefit the Union. “We’re at a standstill with the situation of no [university] president, but we’re continuing to think about what we want,” said Spencer, senior in journalism and mass communication and Spanish. Last year, the student-owned-and-operated Union was presented a plan for a $5 million renovation. In order to pay for the improvements, it was suggested that the building become part of Iowa State, but any decisions on the ownership of the building will be postponed until a replacement for former ISU President Martin Jischke is found. “The university’s take on the situation is that the Union is in a bad situation, and that’s not necessarily true,” said Golding, senior in construction engineering and finance. “The other student members of the board really think students benefit from the Union’s independence.” Golding said some students didn’t support the proposal to make the Union part of the university since it included improvements they didn’t feel were necessary, such as a faculty dining club. “We plan to take a step back and see what [the Union] really needs,” Golding said. He said the board is evaluating the need for suggested improvements to the building, such as a $100,000 bowling-lane renovation and increased meeting space. Mertens said the Union also needs to be brought up to current handicapped-accessibility standards, such as completing the hallway linking the building to the parking ramp and making every level elevator-accessible. In order to better understand students’ wants and needs, the Union recently began a “Proud Member” campaign to promote student awareness and use of the building. Hundreds of bright-green buttons were passed out at New Student Days activities and WelcomeFest, and thousands more will be distributed at upcoming events like ClubFest. “The campaign is going very well,” Mertens said. “People are using it, so far so good.” The Union is also celebrating its birthday with a free chili supper Sept. 24. “We’re working hard to make students aware of what’s going on with the Union because our student fees go to the Union,” Spencer said. The campaign is trying to familiarize students with the Union so they will participate in a future assessment of its needs. Check out the Union Photo Gallery to see more pictures of the Union.