StuGov to discuss increased student fees for MU improvements
Emily Blobaum/Iowa State Daily
Lancelot and Elaine swim across Lake LaVerne Wed. afternoon. Severe thunderstorms and tornados were reported across the state, with at least three confirmed tornados in Des Moines, Corning, and 5 miles east of Winterset.
April 18, 2017
Editor’s Note: This article has been edited to clarify that the resolution is only in support of a student fee increase to cover deferred maintenance costs and unoccupied space rather than the entire cost included on the MU referendum during March’s election.
Student Government is set to discuss a resolution Wednesday night related to a possible student fee increase to cover deferred maintenance costs and unoccupied space of the Memorial Union.
Iowa State students voted against increasing student fees to improve the Memorial Union during the Student Government election in March, but Student Government may consider supporting a smaller increase than what was listed on the referendum to solely cover deferred maintenance costs and unoccupied space.
In the March Student Government elections, 61.98 percent of participating students voted against increasing student fees to fund part of the Memorial Union renovation and expansion.
Student Government, will discuss a resolution, proposed by Sen. Connor Theisen, on Wednesday that will, if passed, express Student Government’s support of a student fee increase that will go toward “deferred maintenance and unoccupied space in the Memorial Union” to administration.
“The Student Government recognizes that the Memorial Union referendum on the election ballot failed, but understands the need to keep the building operational while also avoiding inefficient space usage,” the resolution states.
About $26 million of maintenance issues in the Memorial Union remain unresolved due to the lack of sufficient funding, and the upper levels of the building may become vacant in the coming years, rendering the space useless unless re-purposed, according to the resolution.
The resolution states that “the Memorial Union was built from over one million dollars in pledges made by students, and as the creators of the building, we recognize that we, as students, are also responsible for its maintenance.”
“After 89 years, it needs improvements,” Corey Williamson, interim director of the Memorial Union, said.
The resolution will be discussed and voted on during Wednesday’s Student Government meeting at 7 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union.
All students are welcomed to speak and share their comments, questions and concerns during the open forum section of the agenda.
