A “Bold New U” on its way to becoming reality
The heart of many college campuses is the University Student Union. The USU is a place where students can kick back and relax while taking a break from their busy schedules. For George James, a freshman commuting from Selma to Fresno State, the USU is an important place. He spends most of his gaps between his classes kicking back in the USU.
“The USU, I see, is very important and good to have,” James says. “It gives me a place to relax, do homework and even go bowling a bit.”
James is not alone. Many students spend time in the USU and consider it their home away from home. With approximately 24,000 students on the Fresno State campus, administrators say students have outgrown their current home away from home. That’s where “A Bold New U” comes in, says Dr. Frank Lamas.
Lamas is Fresno State’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. He is one of the driving forces behind the proposed addition to Fresno State.
“The building itself would house a number of co-curricular type things,” Lamas says. He adds that some of the many features include a welcome center, retail dining, study lounges, multi-purpose rooms and a student leadership center. “It [would be] your living room, family room on campus.”
As far as funding for “A Bold New U,” Lamas hopes to initially raise funds through philanthropy, donations and through the development office, before having to raise tuition costs.
“The idea is to raise the money apart from what we would have students pay in fees for the building,” Lamas says.
In order for “A Bold New U” to take place, students will have to vote to approve the proposed project. Students can expect to see the referendum during the spring 2017 ASI elections. If it passes with a majority vote, the goal is to bring “A Bold New U” to life by the year 2020.
Connor Esraelian, ASI Vice President of External Affairs, encourages students to get out and vote on proposed facility. “Students will go to vote once the ASI ballots are out,” Esraelian said. “You’ll get an email in your student email, and we’ll have polling places on campus.” He says more information will be spread through social media.
For more information on “A Bold New U,” Fresno State is hosting a forum Thursday, November 17, 2016, at noon in the USU lounge. This will give students, staff, faculty and community members an opportunity to ask questions and get answers.