Student leaders at Minnesota State University hope anyone who wants to have their say on the latest campus recreation proposal will come to the lower level of Centennial Student Union between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today.
That's where a student forum will be held -- for four hours -- providing information on how much students will pay, and what they’ll get for their money, in the latest proposal to update the campus’ outdoor recreation facilities.
An $8.5 million proposal was unveiled recently that includes updated plans for adding softball fields, a new track and other improvements.
Things are still subject to change, but right now it appears student fees will go up a little less than $30 per student per semester.
Student Senate President Chris Frederick says he supports the plan."This one is much more palatable," he said. "The administration has really listened to students and our concerns."
The forum, Frederick said, is four hours so that any student who wanted to have input or learn about the proposal would have a chance. Students also are able to view the proposal and peruse its components online at www.mnsu.edu/campusrec.
"I think this issue is hopefully drawing to a conclusion with this latest proposal," Frederick said.
The Student Senate as a whole was concerned initially about how the administration was proceeding with the plan. But when they saw the specifics, Frederick said the reaction was positive, and he anticipates the plan will proceed without major student resistance.
“"'m very optimistic about the feedback," he said. "I support the current proposal as it is, and we'll see what other concerns are out there at the forum."
Sometimes the concerns voiced the most are from students who think the money collected from a $ 30 per semester fee hike should go to academics, not softball fields.
Frederick said he hopes the forum will educate students on how different things get funded. Students fees can be used to fund campus recreation proposals, but the administration cannot use student fees to build new academic buildings.
Funding for that must come from the state or private donors.
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