WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2003
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 5A
"what the hell has STUDENT SENATE ever done for me?"
Last spring, we promised to lead the effort to build a new multicultural resource center. Since then, we have followed through, making significant progress on bringing a new MRC closer to reality. Obviously, this is a major undertaking that cannot just happen overnight. The Student Senate has laid the foundation with the goal of having a new MRC fully constructed by the time freshmen are seniors. The only major obstacle left is securing funding in which we have teamed up with KU Endowment.To date, here is a brief overview of the entire project.
Timeline of Progress
Summer 2002
- A committee of students and administrators met to discuss a new MRC proposal
- Different campus locations researched as possible sites for a new MRC
Fall 2002
- Meetings between students and administrators continue
- Campus-wide town hall meeting convened to brainstorm ideas for the new MRC
Winter 2002-03
- University completes a feasibility study and cost estimate on the Kansas Union site
- University endorses Student Senate proposal for the new MRC
Spring 2003
- Chancellor states the new MRC has become a "high priority" for the University due to the students' initiative
- KU Endowment actively pursuing potential donors
- University Governance and the Commission on Minorities endorses the plan for a new MRC
- Provost agrees to set aside tuition enhancement funds to cover future programming, staffing and maintenance costs
- Awareness campaign underway
MRC Proposal At a Glance
Proposed site: Northeast corner of the Kansas Union
The Kansas Union serves as the ideal location since it is highly visible and accessible, creates a natural synergy between student groups and the new MRC and better integrates the MRC's programming and resources for the entire campus community.
> Estimated cost: $2.75 million
Private funds and a small student fee are possible sources of funding. Once funding is secured, an architect and contractor must be hired and then construction can begin. This process will take 2-3 years, fitting in line with our target goal.
> Size: 7,000 gross square feet
Our proposal includes a multi-purpose room for meetings and classes, a state-of-art computer lab,a small library, group work areas and individual study rooms.
Visit our web site or contact us for more details about the MRC or other projects and issues currently in the works.
www.ku.edu/~senate
LOREN MALONE, Student Body Vice President (lmalone@ku.edu)