The tuition fee referendum to renovate the University Student Union (USU) building at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State) has passed.  The voting took place last week, and students voted in favor of a facelift for the Union building on campus.
The construction of the new building will be taking place over the next few years, and the fee will not be included in student tuition until Fall 2019.
Union Board of Directors Chair, Natalie Dykzeul, was happy to see the vote pass and is ready to get the ball rolling on the project.
“This building will only contribute to the success of future students,” Dykzeul said (senior, Biology).  “It will make the campus more dynamic and comfortable. We are excited because we are finally going to be able to provide a space on this campus where they can thrive and grow outside of the classroom.”
Dykzeul explained how proud she was of her fellow members at USU for putting in the time and effort to get the proposal out as well as the students who supported their vision.
“Everyone who helped get the referendum approved was a stand out,” Dykzeul said. “It was really a group effort all of the way around.  Every person within our organization put in so much effort and was so committed. Beyond the organization, it was a team effort of all students. Any student who supported the project, spread the word, or asked a question was instrumental in the referendum’s success.”
The new Union building is projected to be state-of-the-art and will offer a relaxing area for students to take a break from studies and rest up in-between classes.
One student voiced displeasure for the remodel of the Union building after viewing its promotional video, in which the project is coined “The New Stan State”.
“If Stanislaus wants to emulate what we saw in the promotional video produced by the Student Union, I am not in favor of a remodel,” Patrick Gray (senior, Communication Studies) said.  “It strikes me as an advertising ploy designed merely to attract students and increasing revenue.  Plus the addition of a number of food outlets is another way of increasing revenue by marketing to college students, many of whom are pressed for time as many of them are working, going to school, and might not have time to prepare their own food.  In addition to a hike in tuition, this seems like a brilliant way of making money off of students at every corner.”
For those who have insufficient knowledge of the project or have questions or concerns, Dykzeul stressed that students stop by USU to talk to one of the members.
“Any students who have feedback or who have specific requests that we can accommodate within the program should come forward and talk to us,” Dykzeul said.  “We are more than willing to listen and hope to provide as much as we can to students.”     
For more information on the new Union building, check out the Nov. 6 article written for The Signal or stop by the USU.