Resolution 24-03: RENOVATE AND RENEW
| Number | 24-03 |
| Description | The student senate seeks to propose a referendum of renovating the UC and place the renovation on the ballot to be voted on by the student community. |
| Authored by |
Alejandro Tamez |
| Sponsored by |
Yaseen Tasnif |
| Date Submitted | Tuesday, January 16, 2024 |
| Date Considered | Tuesday, February 6, 2024 |
| Committee | Student Affairs |
| Result | Implemented |
| Remarks | |
| Whereas | The E.H. Hereford University Center (UC) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is the hub for many student activities, organizations, and events on campus. The building is also vital to student life, as dining options, student services, and various study spots also populate the UC; |
| Whereas | UTA is one of Texas' Tier One universities. Students deserve a top-tier facility, which is reflective of UTA's status as a Tier One school. The current Student Union fee cannot sustain the needs of our growing campus community. According to the Shorthorn in 2023, UTA has shattered first-year enrollment records seven years in a row; |
| Whereas | Renovations and expansion of the entire UC would further improve the experience and amenities available to students and student organizations. Currently, students report dissatisfaction with available dining services and building facilities, as per Maverick Opinion Board (MOB) data. MOB data also suggests that frequents of the lower level of the UC, which often are student organizations, are also dissatisfied with the conditions. |
| Be It Further Resolved That | A referendum be held during the next general student election to poll the student body on whether the student union fee shall be raised in order to renovate and expand the University Center. |
| Be It Further Resolved That | The question shall appear on the ballot be as follows: The University Center (UC) serves as UTA’s student union building, which is the hub of student life and engagement on campus. This initiative, if passed, would remove a large portion of the building and build a new structure in its place. The new structure will be larger than the existing with all services above ground. The added services that will be contained in this structure would include, at a minimum, additional retail dining concepts, more meeting rooms, increased lounge and dining seating, a new entertainment space, and a new student organization resource center. In addition, the new structure will be built, not only to meet the demands of today’s student population, but with room to grow in a state-of-the-art facility that showcases Maverick pride and the University’s desire for a more sustainable future. The fee to upkeep and enhance the UC has remained unchanged for more than 40 years. To renovate and expand the UC, I agree to increase the UTA Student Union fee to $150 per long semester (fall/spring) or $75 per short semester (Summer I/II). This fee will be implemented, and collected upon approval of the UT System Board of Regents. By increasing the fee, I am agreeing to leave a legacy for all future Mavericks to enjoy. |
| Downloadable File | Download Resolution24-03_1__1706216009.docx |