The ASUA Senate voted last night to approve a referendum for next month's election, in which students would decide whether to assess a $3 per semester fee increase for the Campus Recreation Center.

The $3 fee will go to improving the facility, including purchasing new equipment and programs, said Sen. Jered Mansell.

A $25 fee for the Recreation Center is already placed on a student's bursar's account every semester, which is used to pay off the bond that was used to fund the center's building.

Even if the referendum is passed, students who don't want to pay the fee will be able to write a letter to the Bursar's Office opting out of paying.

Speakers Board will bring author, humanitarian and hostage negotiator Terry Waite to campus in April for a presentation on international relations.

Waite spent a large portion of his life as an international negotiator for the release of hostages.

Waite was taken hostage himself in Lebanon for 1,760 days between 1987-1991, where he spent the first four years in complete solitude.

Hoping to get a dialogue going on campus about Sept. 11, Waite will speak about his experiences so that students will have an idea about the implications of the United States' involvement in foreign affairs, said Elizabeth Young, director of Speakers Board.

Waite will speak to students and then answer questions. This session will be followed by a book signing in the UofA Bookstore.

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate offered a $1,500 contribution to help cover the costs of Waite's visit.

The entire cost of Waite's visit will be $14,000. With the $1,500 contribution from ASUA, the remaining $12,500 will be covered by the Programs and Service Budget.

ASUA also passed the appointment of Michael Shoemaker, an accounting junior, as the new director of the Appropriations Board.

Sen. Jennifer Reece said Shoemaker was by far the most qualified for the position.

Shoemaker has never been involved with ASUA but said he is interested in his new position.