Cal Poly Recreation Center Expansion Referendum Passes Students Vote to Plan for the Future of the University

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly students voted to increase the Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) University Union fee to fund the renovation and expansion of the Cal Poly Recreation Center.

With a total vote count of 7,309 – approximately 37.7 percent of the student population – students have voiced their choice to improve the existing Rec Center in its current location for the future of all Cal Poly students.

The vote approved a future fee increase of $65 per student per quarter to be implemented when the renovated facility is complete, estimated fall 2011.

The Rec Center Expansion referendum passed with 74.5 percent voting yes and 25.5 percent voting no.

For the first time, students voted online through the MyCalPoly portal using a brand new online system, known as eVote, which eliminated the need for traditional paper ballots.

“This is a huge step on behalf of current students to commit to the future of generations to come,” said Brandon Souza, ASI president. “Former students planned for us, now it’s our turn to plan for the future.”

This vote acts as an advisory to University President Warren J. Baker. ASI Student Government leaders are confident the President will implement the fee per the student vote.

“Students have clearly determined that the current Rec Center is simply too crowded and a bigger facility is necessary to accommodate students’ needs,” Souza said.

With the passage of the student fee increase, ASI plans to make an immediate improvement that has been identified as a priority by Cal Poly students. Beginning summer 2008, and weather permitting, the two upper fields at the Sports Complex will be replaced with synthetic turf.

ASI hopes to make the new turf fields available for student use during fall quarter 2008.

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

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