Student centre funding referendum ramps up
The Concordia Student Union referendum for a fee levy increase to get plans for a student centre off the ground starts November 23.
While students go to the polls November 23 to vote on a referendum to increase the per-credit fee levy for a unified student centre on the Sir George Williams Campus, the university’s commitment to the project remains strong.
“It is an area of need” sums up Acting VP Services Roger Côté. Concordia Student Union (CSU) President Heather Lucas agrees: “It’s definitely something we believe in.” She stresses the advantages of having a single spot for students to study, organize and access the resources they need to succeed.
Ideally, the centre will house student associations and the student government alongside services such as Financial Aid and Awards, the International Student Office and Counseling and Development. The facility would also include lounge space and an auditorium for student-sponsored speakers.
The university signed an agreement with the CSU in 2009 outlining how governance of the centre would be managed. Various committees are considering scenarios on how to develop the project, with several locations under review. All concerned hope that a student centre will open its doors to downtown students in 2015. Doing so, would also free up a lot of space for other purposes, points out Côté.
Developing such a space, either by renovating an existing building, or constructing something from scratch requires funding. Earlier campaigns to raise funds for the project have been embraced by students, who voted to double a 2003 $1/credit levy to $2/credit in 2005. As of March 2010, a total of $6.5 million was raised. Although the university administration will also be making a significant financial contribution, the scope of the project requires more funds.
The referendum proposal to increase the fee levy by 50¢/credit over five terms starting in January will be voted on by students from November 23 to 25.
Related link:
• Concordia Journal article