Likins holds fast to Union issue

"I really have become a believer in rebuilding the Union," Likins said during a student forum held in the Student Union's Tucson Room.

He said he will call in an architect to draft plans for a new Student Union despite uncertain funding for the project.

Likins said the architect will provide the University of Arizona with more accurate renovation costs and a better plan of the finished product.

Students voted down last semester's referendum, he said, because the university did not have that information. The Nov. 9 referendum, which would have added $40 each semester to student tuition bills, failed by a vote of 71.8 percent to 24.2 percent.

"I think a lot of the backlash the students were reacting to is that they were buying something they couldn't see," said Brook Rosenbaum, UA's Associated Students' Association director.

Armed with the new information, Likins said he will take the referendum to polls again next year in a last-ditch funding effort to rally student financial support.

He told students no money for the renovation will come from the state Legislature.

"We have a hard time trying to persuade them to provide funds to operate even our normal businesses - you think you're going to get $60 (million) to $65 million for a new Student Union?" Likins said. "Not a chance."

He said he is asking private sources and businesses in the Student Union to help fund some renovation costs.

"In the balance, what's left will have to come out of student funds," Likins said.

If students reject the referendum again, the UA will use building renewal money to make needed infrastructure changes. Likins said the building renewal money can only be used to improve the existing Student Union structure.

Plans for a grand-scale rebuilding would then be laid aside, he added.

Also at the forum, Likins said he will move forward with a proposed contract between Nike and Intercollegiate Athletics.

Although Nike's reputation has been tainted with labor violation accusations, he said the company has a new of code of conduct which bans exploitation of overseas workers.

Likins said any contract he signs will contain a clause ensuring that the university has the right to cancel the deal if labor exploitation continues.

"I think that kind of pressure works," he said. "The issue of being beholden to corporations is a legitimate concern. I will do my damnedest to make sure this university is a clean place."