The senators of the Student Government Association were urged to pass a proposal to raise student fees that would help fund renovations to the University Center Wednesday night.
The UC renovations are scheduled to begin in Spring 2012. The renovations will take place in two phases that will close off different parts of the UC while never being in the position where the building is shut down completely.
During phase one, the underground will close off, with offices moving upstairs and into temporary trailers. During the second phase, dining services will shut down as the UC underground reopens.
The renovations will add a theatre, ballroom and move the student services office to the third floor. The renovation is advertised as a way to help transition the University to a higher status.
The senators were given a presentation as to the progress of the planned renovations of the UC.
In the presentation was a proposal to the senators asking them to raise the student fees $50 in order to aid the second phase.
Senators raised questions regarding the survey taken in 2008 involving the student’s wishes to refurbish the UC.
“Today is about growth. UH students deserve the best of the best,” said Prince Wilson, former SGA president and a member of the student group addressing the senate. “The exciting part is that the students won’t have to go underground to get involved in all the student centers.”
President Michael Harding also spoke at the meeting, discussing his activity throughout the week.
He has spoken to residents of Bayou Oaks regarding any maintenance, management and lease concerns or issues they have had.
Harding plans to hold a Bayou Oaks town hall meeting in order to get input from the community.
He also attended the faculty senate meeting and plans to form a faculty-student committee.
“I met with some of the faculty on the senate regarding a number of issues, such as the graduation rates,” Harding said. “A student-faculty committee would aid in these issues by organizing programs to help the students succeed, especially the freshmen.”
The next SGA meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., April 27, inside the UC Cougar Den.
For news and updates on the UC renovations go to www.uh.edu/thenewuc.
