Spring Break
Survey informs planners of direction for improvements
Student Facilities Improvement Team
Issue date: 3/13/09 Section: Forum
Dear Oregon State students,
As many of you are aware, student leaders have been developing projects to improve student facilities on campus, including the Memorial Union and Recreational Sports. More than 3,000 students completed a survey about these projects, and the results are now available. Students reported that they heavily use and highly value the recreational and union facilities here at OSU, which is no surprise to anyone who has taken a walk through the Memorial Union at lunchtime or Dixon Recreation Center in the evenings. The survey measured student support for three major proposed projects, including the renovation and expansion of the Memorial Union to replace Snell Hall, the construction of an Outdoor Recreation Complex and the renovation of McAlexander Fieldhouse.
Many students were supportive of the concept of renovating and expanding the Memorial Union, but there was not enough support for the proposed fee increase to continue with the MU project this year. While this is a disappointing result to the students who supported the project, it does not mean that it will never happen. The historic Memorial Union building is in need of care and Snell Hall is not a long-term solution for housing student services and organizations, but this year is not the right time for such a large increase in student fees. Additionally, we learned a lot from the survey results, and we believe that the concept for the MU expansion can be refined and improved. We encourage students who were excited about this project to join us in continuing the development process.
The survey results showed strong student support for both the Outdoor Recreation Complex and the renovation of McAlexander Fieldhouse. Given this support, we have decided to move forward with a petition to place the recreational sports projects before students at the May 20-21 election. To qualify for the ballot, we must collect 3,000 signatures from fees-paying students. Petitions will be available at Dixon Recreation Center, the MU Quad and other parts of campus beginning March 30, the first day of spring quarter.
We would like to express our appreciation to the thousands of students who have participated in this process, whether by taking the survey, attending a presentation or contacting us over e-mail. This process is driven by the needs and desires of the students, and it cannot be successful without your help. If you are interested in helping us to educate students about the projects and collect signatures, we will be having an informational session on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in MU 206. To learn more, visit our website at www.osuproject.org and feel free to contact us at questions@osuproject.org.
Caitlyn DeMars, Ben Misley, Miles Dodge, Raphiel Carter, Callie Lessard, Ryan Mann and Brian Collins are OSU students are OSU students are part of the Student Facilities Improvement Team. The opinions in this column do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Daily Barometer staff. The Student Facilities Improvement Team can be reached at forum@daliybarometer.com.
As many of you are aware, student leaders have been developing projects to improve student facilities on campus, including the Memorial Union and Recreational Sports. More than 3,000 students completed a survey about these projects, and the results are now available. Students reported that they heavily use and highly value the recreational and union facilities here at OSU, which is no surprise to anyone who has taken a walk through the Memorial Union at lunchtime or Dixon Recreation Center in the evenings. The survey measured student support for three major proposed projects, including the renovation and expansion of the Memorial Union to replace Snell Hall, the construction of an Outdoor Recreation Complex and the renovation of McAlexander Fieldhouse.
Many students were supportive of the concept of renovating and expanding the Memorial Union, but there was not enough support for the proposed fee increase to continue with the MU project this year. While this is a disappointing result to the students who supported the project, it does not mean that it will never happen. The historic Memorial Union building is in need of care and Snell Hall is not a long-term solution for housing student services and organizations, but this year is not the right time for such a large increase in student fees. Additionally, we learned a lot from the survey results, and we believe that the concept for the MU expansion can be refined and improved. We encourage students who were excited about this project to join us in continuing the development process.
The survey results showed strong student support for both the Outdoor Recreation Complex and the renovation of McAlexander Fieldhouse. Given this support, we have decided to move forward with a petition to place the recreational sports projects before students at the May 20-21 election. To qualify for the ballot, we must collect 3,000 signatures from fees-paying students. Petitions will be available at Dixon Recreation Center, the MU Quad and other parts of campus beginning March 30, the first day of spring quarter.
We would like to express our appreciation to the thousands of students who have participated in this process, whether by taking the survey, attending a presentation or contacting us over e-mail. This process is driven by the needs and desires of the students, and it cannot be successful without your help. If you are interested in helping us to educate students about the projects and collect signatures, we will be having an informational session on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in MU 206. To learn more, visit our website at www.osuproject.org and feel free to contact us at questions@osuproject.org.
Caitlyn DeMars, Ben Misley, Miles Dodge, Raphiel Carter, Callie Lessard, Ryan Mann and Brian Collins are OSU students are OSU students are part of the Student Facilities Improvement Team. The opinions in this column do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Daily Barometer staff. The Student Facilities Improvement Team can be reached at forum@daliybarometer.com.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.