Student Union Renovation/Expansion Referendum Information

• Union referendum fails (Nov. 20, 1997)
• Viewpoints - reactions to the decision - (Nov. 20, 1997)
• Referendum ballots working fine (Nov. 20,1997)
• 'Glich' closes down Cat Card office during referendum voting (Nov. 20, 1997)

In November, University of Arizona students will decide whether or not to add an additional $40 in student fees to fund renovations to the Memorial Student Union. The total project cost is estimated at $70 million, half of which would be paid through the proposed fee increase.

Here is the new referendum text.
(The old version is still available):

The proposed Student Union/Bookstore renovation and expansion will:

• be partially funded by a mandatory fee, not to exceed $40 per semester assesed to all University of Arizona students. The fee shall commence in the Spring semester 1999;
• the student fee shall not exceed 50% of total project costs;
• this fee shall end at the completion of bond payments, not to exceed 25 years;
• expenditure of fee shall be monitored by a student advisory group;
• no academic bonds shall be used in this project as to increase tuition;
• the student fee board and the UA Administration shall review within one year from the passage of this referendum all fundraising efforts. If sufficient effort in fundraising exists, the student fee will begin. If however, the student fee board feels less than sufficient effort has been made in fundraising; the fee will be reduced by an amount agreed upon by the student fee board;

• increased size bookstore with space for general books, computer sales and supplies, and check out;
• post office, banking, and other retail services;
• food facilities including a food court with national and local branded food options;
• multi-purpose space for student organizations
• functional layout utilizing atriums, increased lighting, indoor-outdoor eating and programming space, increased meeting areas, lounge and study areas;
• space for student radio and publications;
• accessibility for all students;
• computer network access in lounge, study and food service areas.

• increased activities including concerts, speakers, comedians and other entertainment;
• increased multi-cultural programs and activities, leadership training and service learning opportunities

Previous referendum-related articles:

• Union referendum fails (Nov. 20, 1997)
• Viewpoints - reactions to the decision - (Nov. 20, 1997)
• Referendum ballots working fine (Nov. 20,1997)
• 'Glich' closes down Cat Card office during referendum voting (Nov. 20, 1997)

• 2,200 students pack the polls (November 19, 1997)
• Plea from Davidson prompts resolution revote (November 19,1997)
• Correction (Staff correction, November 19, 1997)
• Say 'no' to fee (Letter, November 19, 1997)

• Students voice last minute concerns on referendum (November 18, 1997)
• Student lobbying group stands against Union fee (November 18, 1997)
• Student Union needs help despite recent improvements (November 18, 1997)
• Patched-up Union needs update to '71 renovation (November 18, 1997)
• ASUA Fliers say vote yes, or do they? (November 18, 1997)
• Likins and your landlord (Editorial, November 18,1997)
• Fund the Union, not telescopes (Letter, November 18, 1997)
• University should pay for safe buildings (Letter, November 18, 1997)
• Tap alumni to fund Union (Letter, November 18, 1997)
• Students will reap benefits of fee (Letter, November 18, 1997)

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• Davidson to Senate: Get out the vote (November 17, 1997)
• 6 of 10 students agree-no fee (November 17, 1997)
• UA to pay for Union neglect (Novemner 17, 1997)
• University should pay for Union (Letter, Nov. 17, 1997)
• Student fee sets 'bad precedent' (Letter, Nov. 17, 1997)
• No choice: Students will help fund Union with fee or without, Likins says (November 14, 1997)
• Students to vote without specifics on what fee buys (Nov.13,1997)
• New student group advocates a 'no' vote on Union referendum(Nov. 12, 1997)
• Envision a privitized student union (Letter, Nov. 7, 1997)
• Student fee reduction plan killed (Nov. 6, 1997)
• Student fee is necessary(Letter, Nov. 6, 1997)
• Union renovation needs student support (Letter, Nov. 5, 1997)
• Union project accepting donations (Nov. 4, 1997)
• $40 union fee a needed investment in the future (Letter, Nov. 4, 1997)
• Former student leaders urge ASA to oppose Union fee (Oct. 31)
• ASUA Senate wishy-washy on interpretation of resolution (Oct. 24)
• ASUA Senate majority passes resolution to support Union fee (Oct. 23)
• ASUA Senate passes Union referendum amendment (Oct.15)
• Union fee up for vote (Oct. 9)
• ASUA Senate to decide referendum (Oct. 8)
• ASUA Senate wary of proposed student fee (Sept 25, 1997)
• Funding options for Union renovations up in the air (Sept 17, 1997)
• ASUA to propose student fee for Union renovations (Sept. 11, 1997)
• Field of Dreams(Feb. 7, 1997)
• Student Union celebrates 45 years of service (November 15, 1996)
• Rebuild now (August 27, 1996)
• Safety violations may threaten Union (August 26, 1996)
• Union needs overhaul - and fast (July 24, 1996)
• Candidate advocates saving Student Union (March 28,1995)
• Student Union overhaul should be a priority (October 13,1994)

What people are saying about the proposed fee increase...

• Theresa Thompson Lindstrom, from Oct.9, 1997
• Gordon Zaft, from Oct. 14, 1997
• Kelsey Spies, from Oct. 16, 1997
• Allen Frasier, from Oct. 21, 1997
• Jeff Schrade, from Oct. 25, 1997
• George P Ng, from Oct. 25, 1997
• Kirk Sibley, from Oct. 26, 1997
• Paul G. Allvin, from Oct. 28, 1997
• Darrell Bobbitt, from Oct. 29, 1997
• Barbara Franklin, from Oct. 29, 1997
• Norm White, from Oct. 31,1997
• T. Jefferson, from October 31, 1997
• Sean Snitzer, from October 31, 1997
• Brett Bendickson,from October 31, 1997
• Kevin A. Lincoln, from November 3, 1997
• Michael Benveniste, from November 4, 1997
• Michael Benveniste, from November 4, 1997
• Paul Fisher, from November 4, 1997
• Travis Klein, from November 9, 1997
• Stefan Walz, from November 9, 1997
• Jeff Schrade, from November 9, 1997
• smithbr, from November 9, 1997
• Gilbert Davidson, from November 9, 1997
• R. F. Kennedy, from November 11, 1997
• T. Jefferson, from November 11, 1997
• Brett Bendickson, from November 11, 1997
• Paul G. Allvin, from November 11, 1997
• Kathy Moulin, from November 12, 1997
• J.C. THOMAS, from November 15,1997
• Jonathan Schmitt, from November 18, 1997
• Cobea E Becker, from November 18, 1997
• Eric E. Clingan, from November 19, 1997
• Carin, from November 20, 1997

Send us your comments on the referendum...