Nov. 29, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michelle Broom
ASI Public Relations Coordinator
(805) 756-2211

ASI Student Government Seeks Referendum on New Facilities Fees

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly's elected student government officials are moving ahead in their quest for a student referendum on fees to pay for new campus facilities for students.

ASI conducted a student survey earlier this year on what kind of ASI facilities students want. The survey results prompted ASI's Student Government, via the University Union Advisory Board, to request authorization from Cal Poly President Warren J. Baker to proceed with a student fee referendum.

This week the UUAB will send a letter to President Baker to request approval to hold a student fee referendum. On Wednesday the ASI Board of Directors is expected to vote on a resolution that would fully support the UUAB's request to the President. Once President Baker has approved the UUAB's request, student leaders will proceed with steps to pursue a
student fee referendum during spring quarter.

In October, ASI Student Government sent an electronic survey to all Cal Poly students in order to solicit students to identify priorities for ASI to consider in developing its facilities master plan alongside the Cal Poly master plan. There was a 24 percent response rate, with more
than 4,400 completed surveys received from Cal Poly students.

Some of the highlights from the survey include:

  • 98 percent of student respondents believe improvements to ASI facilities
    would enhance the overall quality of life at Cal Poly
  • 66 percent of respondents expressed willingness to pay an additional fee to fund the following projects: renovation of the University Union-including the UU plaza; expansion of the Recreation Center; construction of a brand new, large comprehensive student facility located near campus market

"Based on the level of participation it's very clear to the student leaders that Cal Poly students want to see ASI facilities enhanced," said Blake Bolton, ASI president. "As student leaders it is our job to make sure student needs are heard and supported."

For more information please contact ASI President Blake Bolton at 756-1291 or Michelle Broom, ASI public relations and marketing coordinator, at 756-2211.

-###-