COLUMN: Let me clarify…
Let me clarify…
Due to recent events, there has been a misunderstanding with what has been going on with the Stadium/Spectrum Bond. Many of your Associated Students of Utah State University officers have been working throughout this year on this issue. Each officer has taken on a different role associated with the bond. ASUSU has actively sought student input and feedback. Through surveys, focus groups and word of mouth, we have been able to get a feel for what students would like to see done on campus. Understanding that each ASUSU officer plays a different role, and in light of the short time frame that we have had to work with, some officers have not been able to be completely informed of the bond’s intricacies.
Before I discuss what has occurred since Thursday morning, it is important that readers understand the bond and its purpose. Here is a rough outline of the history and why the bond is now on the table.
* The bond was established roughly 20 years ago to make improvements on the stadium and spectrum.
* Over the past 20 years students have been paying $21.50 each semester to cover the cost of the bond.
* In order for a state institution to bond, they must place collateral. The only monies that can serve as collateral are student fees.
* The bond will expire in December of 2005.
* At that time we may choose to re-bond or let the bond expire.
* Due to the historically low interest rates we were presented the opportunity to re-bond to improve other facilities on campus.
* In order to re-bond, this issue has to be presented to ASUSU, USU Administration, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Regents and finally the State Legislature.
ASUSU officers were informed of a meeting scheduled by the department of Student Services to discuss the future of the bond. On Thursday, a meeting was held with ASUSU officers, Student Services, Athletics and Administrative Services. This meeting was only intended to draft one option of many that students might support. It is important to note that not every member of ASUSU was present and it was clear that the proposal made at this meeting was not final. This meeting was purely a chance for your student leaders to start a dialogue about the future of the bond and our student fees.
It was understood by each member present that the preliminary proposal made was only one possibility to be presented in the Board of Trustees meeting. However, should any adjustment in student fees be needed, it would need to pass through the University Student Fee Board first and then those bodies mentioned above. It was suggested by some that this meeting was held behind the backs of students. However, this was not the intention of this group. This collaborative effort was to educate student leaders, receive feedback from the entities present and complete the first step in a complicated process.
It was thought that a proposal needed to be created quickly due to a Board of Trustees meeting on the following day. As the meeting progressed, each member realized the complexities of the bond and related issues. It was decided that this decision could not be made without additional student input and a better understanding of what students’ needs and wants are. Your student leaders are interested in your feedback on this issue and others that arise throughout the rest of the year. We will be holding focus groups, passing out surveys, and networking with students so that we may accurately represent your views. If you are concerned about your student fees, the Stadium/Spectrum Bond or other issues, please contact one of your student representatives.
Duke di Stefano is the president of ASUSU. Comments can be sent to duke@cc.usu.edu.