Editorial
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 9, 1997

Renovation: $40 well spent

Phoenix and the Memorial Student Union have two things in common: unnecessary sprawl and decreasing aesthetic appeal.

With vast unused spaces and a labyrinth of narrow, winding hallways that lead to nowhere, the building that is supposed to unite the students of the University of Arizona is a campus eyesore.

The building needs major renovation and students should lead the way in implementing the project.

Last night, the Associated Students Senate voted to put the fate of the Student Union renovation project in the hands of student voters. Endorsement of the referendum means that students must now decide whether to augment tuition bills each semester with a $40 student fee that will go toward the Student Union renovation project.

Over a 25 year period, the fee will generate about $31 million - nearly half the $70 million total estimated cost for the project.

Adding another $40 to steadily rising tuition bills may seem extreme, but it means students will be more involved in the project.

If voters reject the referendum Nov. 18 and 19, the Student Union renovation project will move forward entirely in the hands of the UA administration and the Arizona Board of Regents. Without the student fee, the regents would have to find another way to foot the bill.

That means raising tuition or cutting academic programs.

As ASUA President Gilbert Davidson said yesterday, "Students will end up paying, with or without the fee."

But approving the fee means that students can have a say in how and where their money is spent.

Davidson said a student committee would play a major role in the planning and development of the new, improved Student Union.

The last time students took part in such a project, the result was one of the finest recreational facilities at any college or university. The Student Recreation Center was initiated by students and the allocation of student fees handled entirely by a student committee.

A Student Union should belong to the students. With students funding nearly half the cost of the project, their input will have a significant influence on the final plans for renovation.

After the administration steamrolled the student voice of opposition in gaining final approval for the Integrated Instructional Facility, students should seize this opportunity to be heard.

The Student Union will be renovated. The fee allows students to exert control over that renovation. It's going to cost students anyway, so students might as well have a say in how it's done.

Support the referendum.