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Wednesday, February 18, 1976
University Daily Kansan
THE SATELLITE UNION ... Why it was proposed and why we need it...
What Are Some of the Reasons It Has Been Proposed?
The area of campus where the Satellite Union would be constructed is now a major population center on campus. Several new buildings have been or are being built in that area: the new law school, the new visual arts facility, the addition to Robinson gymnasium, the new computer science facility and the addition to Learned Hall. In addition to these academic buildings, the University has experienced unprecedented growth in living accommodations in that area of campus. The Daisy Field residence halls, Oliver and Naismith, several major apartment complexes and quite a few fraternities and sorceries have all combined to make this area a population center on campus.
This area has no student service facility. The residents and users of this area need a food service facility, a place to study or relax and a place to go and cash a check. Within the last year, we have seen our administration close the Hawklet in Summerfield Hall and move students from the Strong Hall basement. At the same time, Wesco Terrence has become overcrowded to the point that it is driving students away. There is obviously demand for a food service facility in this area of campus.
The concept of a satellite union is not a new one. Indeed, expansion plans for the Kansas Union as early as 1964 were greatly modified as a result of a growing feeling that students would be best served if a bookstore facility was located in the area of Daisy Hill. The concept of the satellite union was endorsed by the Union board in 1968. Students decided to spend planning money to draw up the blueprints. The satellite union was brought to a student vote in 1970. At the same time students were asked to finance a classroom facility because of a lack of state funds (Wescoe Hall). A new student housing complex was built and students were given access. Primarily because of the construction of these two other buildings many students decided not to support the satellite union at the time and the satellite union proposal was shelved for the time being.
Fuel prices for cars and buses have been and will continue to be increasing at a geometric rate. The cost involved in driving home for lunch could become prohibitive for most students.
How Long Has the Need Existed?
Since that time the Union has undertaken and completed a two-year comprehensive planning effort. An independent outside planning firm was retained by the Union board and they conducted scientific samplings and polled students needs and desires. In that poll, over $90\%$ of the students indicated that a new facility was needed on the west side of campus. For that reason, students on the Union board and the Senate have for two years, been discussing the proposal and have worked to bring it to a student vote.
Would Declining Enrollments Affect the Union?
(If Those Declines Occur)
No. There was sufficient business two years ago on the western portion of campus to provide the impetus for the satellite life union proposal. Declining enrolments, should they materialize as some suggest, would not be of the magnitude that would affect either demand or sales in that portion of campus. Studies have shown that even with constant enrolments, the demands per person placed upon food services alone have DOUBLED in the past two years.
It should also be noted that the same people that have predicted substantial enrollment declines are the same ones that predicted virtually no growth for the University in the last two years. As you know, the University's enrollment has grown at its fastest pace in history over the last two years.
When Would It Be Built?
There are many variables in making estimates, but ASSUMING among other things that (1) Students support the proposal in the student election, (2) that additional financing can be raised by the Memorial Corporation board of directors, (3) that architectural plans can be finalized by May, 1976, and (4) that the contracting process goes smoothly then, the new facility could be ready in the early spring of 1978.
Why Should I Vote for It Now?
Kent Longnecker, chairman of the Student Union Activities in 1970 put it this way:
"Think of students in the future who will have to stand in long, inconvenient lines because you won't vote or pay for an extension of Union services."
Think what might have been done in 1970 the next time you stand in line for a Coke in Wescoe Terrace or to cash a check at the Union. Think of what that line will be like in the 1980's when the student population continues to shift to the western portion of campus.
Where Would It Be Located?
The Satellite Union will be located in the general area northwest of Allen Field House and southeast of Jayhawker Towers.
What Would It Contain?
The number of services offered will be directly proportional to the amount of financing that can be raised and therefore the size of building that can be built. The 1968 proposal was for a 40,000 sq. ft. building. It was a modest proposal then. Since then inflation has taken a serious toll. Hopefully, even with the costs of inflation, at least a 30,000 sq. ft. building will not occur until the financial decisions can be made. The Union, however, in its long range study identified important primary needs, as defined by the Union poll.
- Eating and Dining facilities/kitchen space
*Check cashing services
*Sales area for sundries, cards, supplies, etc.
- Modest lounge and/or study space
What Would It Cost and When?
The 1968 proposal would have cost 1.8 million dollars. Today, the same building would cost over 3 million dollars due to inflation in construction costs. What is proposed is for students to finance the original 1.8 million dollars by a semester charge not to exceed $7.50 a semester, and for the Union to attempt to raise additional funds interim. The building cannot be built without the 1968 proposal; the 1.8 million dollars alone. Modest architectural and planning monies would be raised before completion of the structure. The maximum of $7.50 per semester would NOT BE CHARGED until the building is constructed. Those who will benefit from the building will pay for the cost.
According to Student Senate Rules and Regulations, a vote of 2,800 students is required to enact the referendum. Not voting TODAY or TOMORROW is a vote against the satellite union.
Because of the indicated support of this facility by members of the Student Body and the obvious need that will exist in that area of campus in the next three years, we, the undersigned, strongly endorse the referendum question that will appear on the ballot today and tomorrow. We strongly urge you to vote YES on the question. Many of us will not be on the campus to enjoy the benefits of such a facility, however, when considering this proposal, think of the students who will be following all of us in the 80s. This is a proposal for the future—a necessary and overdue project.
Steve Segebrecht Ed C. Rolfs Mary Lou Reece Bruce Woner Harry Wigner
Sharon Anderson Chris Milner Tedde Tasheff Cheryl Hausler Pat Schaefer
Steve Brown Tom Curzon Dave Shapiro Mike Taraboulous Mark Allen
Paul Rabinovitz Steve Leben Mark Anthony David Barclay Kati Rhoads
Lyle Elliot Kelly Scott Jenny Hoffman Mark Anderson Mark Pennington
Brian Dunn Steve Owens John House Scott Siebels Steve Chucovich
GREG BENGSTON ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE HALLS
VOTE TODAY OR TOMORROW
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