April 18, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Broom
ASI Public Relations Coordinator
(805) 756-2211
Student Leaders Ask Students to Approve
ASI Fee Increase
In Special Election April 20, 21
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Student Government leaders at Cal Poly asked students to vote yes on the ASI-managed facilities and student activities referenda on April 20 and 21.
There
will be two referenda votes on one ballot in the coming special
election being held by Cal Poly's Associated Students Inc. The first
referendum is a proposed student fee increase to expand and renovate
existing ASI-managed facilities (University Union, Recreation Center,
Cal Poly Sports Complex) as well as construct a brand new student
activity center on the north side of campus (near Campus Market).
The second referendum is a proposed student fee increase to fund additional student activities through club co-sponsorship and grant funding for campus organizations and sport clubs that do not currently receive any funding.
The referenda were proposed after ASI Student Government sent an electronic survey to all Cal Poly students in October 2004 in order 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 responses received. Some of the highlights from the survey include:
- 98% of survey respondents believe improvements to ASI facilities would enhance the overall quality of life at Cal Poly
- 66% 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
In addition, ASI Student Government is proposing an increase in the Student Body Association (ASI) fee, also known as the student activity fee. These monies would be used to provide additional funding to support student clubs and organizations that enhance cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for all Cal Poly students. This fee will also preserve the long-term viability of current ASI programming and services for the general student population. The following groups are potentially eligible for grant funding:
- Sport Clubs
- Multicultural Center
- Interfraternity Council
- Pan Hellenic
- Cultural Greek Council
- Womens’ Center
- Open House
- Inter Hall Council
- Inter Club Council, and more
With enrollment in fall 2011 projected at approximately 19,000,
today’s students are being asked to think about tomorrow’s
future. In the next five years, on-campus residency will increase
from 3,600 to 6,300 students as a result of the new housing projects
on the north side of campus.
Passing of both referenda will ensure that future Cal Poly students
will have state-of-the-art facilities in which to study, recreate,
eat and shop. And students will be able to enjoy the social, educational
and recreational programming and activities that are vital to enhancing
campus life.
“As student leaders it is our responsibility to make sure
student needs are heard and supported,” said Blake Bolton,
ASI president. “Thus we have set forth well-thought out referenda
for the students to cast their vote.”
For more information please contact ASI President Blake Bolton at
756-1291 or Michelle Broom,
ASI public relations and marketing coordinator, at 756-2211.
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