Wording of the Student Union Initiative

Below is the exact wording for the Student Union Initiative. If you support the renovation of Memorial Union and the rebuilding of Union South, vote YES October 18-19.

Initiative

The Wisconsin Union is initiating efforts to renovate Memorial Union and construct a new building to replace Union South.  The student led process has included a campus-wide student email survey, student committees, focus groups and open forums. Continuing student input is vital to the planning and design process and will continue to be incorporated as the design process becomes more detailed.  To examine plan details so far, click on this link:  www.unionvote.wisc.edu. 

The Memorial Union restoration and upgrade will preserve the historic nature of this campus icon built in the 1920s. Improvements will include:

• substantially improving ADA accessibility for people of all abilities
• addressing safety issues by bringing the building up to code (e.g. sprinkler and fire alarm systems)
• renovating Hoofer spaces and improving the Mendota lakefront without violating the natural habitat
• upgrading communication technology
• creating expanded student lounge/coffee house space
  

The new union building on the current south campus site will replace an outdated and inefficient facility with an enduring, sustainable "green" building, which incorporates concepts for universal accessibility (e.g. ramps, elevators, restrooms).  Additionally, the new facility will provide:

• expanded student lounge space
• activity and programming spaces
• a pub
• coffeehouse
• recreation spaces
• outdoor campus green space
• the latest communication technology.

This project will be funded by multiple sources:

• An additional segregated fee not to exceed $96 per student per semester. The segregated fee portion of this project budget funds the new south campus Union and the restoration of the Theater wing of Memorial Union. The fee is expected to be assessed beginning Fall 2007 and construction is expected to begin in the following year, 2008. This segregated fee will be terminated at the end of 30 years.
• Private donations. Student support will create strong momentum for private fundraising.
• Revenue generated by (expanded) Union services.
• State and Federal funds for historic structures will also be requested to fund the project

The amount of the segregated fee may be reduced based on the level of donor, State and Federal support.