Courtesy of WikiCommons
As a senior, I’ve seen the benefits of UCSB’s growth throughout my time here: I’ve spent hours studying in the brand-new wing of Davidson, I’ve seen the construction of multiple brand-new housing options, and I’ve seen upgrades to the Rec Cen and the student dining commons. But while this trend has ultimately been positive, it has also revealed some of the university’s greatest growing pains. And as the current chair of the UCen Governance Board, as well as an employee of the UCen for the past 2.5 years, I’ve come to understand one of these pain points firsthand.
The UCen, situated in the middle of campus, is one UCSB’s hallmark buildings. Originally built in 1968, the building was intended to be a common ground for students, faculty, and staff to convene and converse.
However, some areas in the UCen haven’t been upgraded since its construction, and over time, it’s become a tarnished and underutilized space. For example, last quarter, leaks caused a ceiling tile to fall to the ground, narrowly missing a student studying for finals. And just last week, one of the building’s main water pipes burst, causing flooding in multiple areas and creating an unpleasant smell throughout the whole facility. At times, it can feel like the building is bursting at the seams; it’s clear the UCen can no longer meet the needs of our current student population. What’s more, when set against the backdrop of UCSB’s growing student body, the building’s shortfalls become even more dire.
That’s why the UCen Governance Board has facilitated a proposal to address this problem, a plan we’re calling “Our NewCen.” The goal of the “NewCen” proposal is to both expand the UCen to increase general-purpose student space such as study space and meeting rooms, but also to re-purpose parts of the UCen to meet student needs that aren’t currently fulfilled by existing campus resources.
If we don’t act soon, future Gauchos will be putting money into a building that is potentially hazardous, but also isn’t able to adequately serve their needs.
As news about “Our NewCen” has made its way around campus, I think there’s been some confusion as to what the revenue generated from this fee would be used for. Lots of students have understood the buzz-phrase “UCen renovations” to be limited to cosmetic updates such as carpeting, paint, etc., but in reality, this project goes far beyond that. “Our NewCen” reimagines the UCen to be the central hub on campus, where students can access the services they need most, like the A.S. Food Bank, counseling and mental wellness, and tutoring and 24-hour study space.
The fee referendum proposed by “Our NewCen” would begin in 2018 and calls for a $20 per quarter fee for the first four years, during which architects would be hired to collaborate with students, finalize the “NewCen’s” design, and determine how to put the concept into action. Once construction ends in 2022, the fee rises to $96 per quarter.
If this project does not begin now, the UCen will continue to be outdated, and UCSB students of the very near future will find themselves in an even more crowded environment than the one we currently find ourselves in. Furthermore, the UCen continues to deteriorate without renovation. Dangerous instances like the broken ceiling tile and burst water pipes will increase in both frequency and cost to students with the passing of time. This means that if we don’t act soon, future Gauchos will be putting money into a building that is potentially hazardous, but also isn’t able to adequately serve their needs. Much like past Gauchos voted for fee increases to fund the Rec Cen and SRB (facilities we all use and enjoy), we have the opportunity to make a similar decision for our future generations.
I will be graduating in the spring. Though this means I would be unaffected by the potential student fee increase, it also provides me a state of objectivity with regards to the project. Outside of the UCen Governance Board, I am not otherwise involved in student government, and will be leaving academia to pursue a career in a field unrelated to public policy or community projects. With that in mind, I will be voting to affirm this fee increase because I believe it will improve UCSB in a number of ways, and will prevent what would be an inevitable strain on future students and community spaces.
Whether this year or in years to come, it’s undeniable that the UCen will require a major overhaul at some point. A project of this magnitude will only prove more urgent as the UCen deteriorates, and more expensive as time goes on. Ultimately, it is up to you, the student body, to weigh the costs and benefits and decide whether to fund a project for the future. Above all and most importantly, be sure to vote and participate in AS elections to take part in the democracy that you are a part of, and ensure that your voice is heard.
Luke McCrary wants to make sure that the NewCen has a fair chance.
What is it about the modern era that touts fiscal responsibility but burdens the future with debt. Also, the general public supports the university system, why should students/parents be saddled with more debt over something that is beneficial to the public as a whole. Just last year a stash of over $100 million was discovered with no explanation of why it was not generally known. If our government will not support education, vote for people that do believe that an educated population is required for a stable and competitive future. Don’t saddle students that are already stressed beyond belief. When… Read more »
This is completely backwards from the normal university development process, and when looking at the costs associated with approaching the problem this way you see why the university does not normally approach planning and developing campus buildings and assets in this fashion. The “normal” was of going about something like this would involve making detailed development plans *before* trying to raise funding for the project. If approved by a naïve student population (which–let’s be honest–usually tends to vote yes on most proposals), this project will predictably run into massive cost overruns and will not be finished on time. You (especially… Read more »
And I left out the craziest part: you want ~$1.2 million per year until you figure out a solution, then essentially a $5 million check each year for as long as it takes to pay for the solution that students will not have another say on. Have you ever heard of anything in the real world working like that?
This is not true. Architects were already hired and completed a visioning study phase which resulted jn a conceptual plan based on the architect’s assessment of square footage and how best to reorient current space, and utilize new space to meet emerging student needs such as more 24/7 study spaces and expanded services for CLAS & CAPS. Once the measure passes, the architect will begin formal design and programming phase which takes brtween 1-2 years. Construction begins right after and will be completed by 2022. The office od Budget & Planning worked diligently with costs estimators to ensure that costsoverrun… Read more »
I can list the reasons why students should be opposed to this plan in only a few words: 1. Higher tuition for us, and then higher tuition for our younger siblings and probably children. 2. We won’t get to enjoy the new Ucen (and we won’t have access to the current Ucen for the rest of our time here. 3. There are other projects that we should be focusing on (housing for incoming freshman, making student health more useful, making more space in classes for those new freshmen) 4. We don’t need the planned renovations. This plan damages the income… Read more »
You people have been pushing this shit since I was a student – and probably long before. Time to accept that the students don’t want your UCEN renovation!
This article suggests that student resources will be expanded because of this project, but with all the money going into a new fancy building and not to the actual programs (CLAS, CAPS, the food bank,) it’s hard to see how they will actually be positively affected. Also, many of the mentioned programs already have homes in other places on campus. It’s ironic that expanding the food bank is part of this advertisement. Students are already food insecure, so let’s go ahead and charge them another 100 dollars more a quarter to have a fancy facility instead of making college more… Read more »
I’m so glad this did not pass. 82% rejected. Did no one think to poll before starting this ridiculousness? Sound minds prevail.