We, the undersigned students and faculty members, demand a more logical approach to the construction / design of the new Student Union. Particularly this logical approach to construction / design will follow the guidelines set forth by L.E.E.D. v.2.1 standards.
As students we are entitiled to have a say in the very building which primary functions are to serve us. If for no other reason, the very funds for this building come out of our, the students, pockets in the form of fees charged to our tuition.
Therefore we demand that the L.E.E.D. Certification process commence immediately on the Student Union project. A silver certificate is expected, however a bronze certificate will assure the Universities commitment to the student's desires.
Students signing this petition recognize that they are helping to create a better environment to live, grow, work, and learn. With L.E.E.D. Certification an estimated 5% increase in funding is needed. Those funds may be taken out of student fees, possibly raising those fees by an estimated $15.00 per semester.
UDI held its kickoff petition signing on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the Belk Tower on campus. It was a successful day as we acquired more than 500 signatures. Although most didn't know a new Student Union was in the design phase, most of the students who took the time to look over the issues felt it was important. A article was published about our efforts in the University Times - UDI Sponsors Petition for Environmentally-Friendly Union
2.3.04 -The petition is stirring up controversy on campus as shown with this editorial published in the February 3, 2004 edition of the University Times - Reading Fine Print of Unclear Direction
2.6.04 - The SGA is now taking interest in our cause. Student Body President Stefanos Arethas has invited UDI President Nate Robb to speak at the Town Hall Meeting being held on Thursday, February 12, 2004
3.20.04 - A detailed article has been published about our initiative to get the student union LEED certified. It can be read here
3.23.04 - UDI will hold a free concert to promote the LEED certification of new student union on Friday March 26th 2004 at 5pm. Already confirmed to play are Incognito Misquito, The Worst Band Ever, Hawian Ryan [dj]. Free give-aways from Toppers Pizza, McAllisters Deli, Qdoba, and Jacksons Java will be provided
4.10.04 - The SGA after meeting with the FWA group and school administration has decided not to support our push to get the student union LEED certified. A detailed article from the UTimes can be seen here
4.28.04 - Following the SGA elections, in which the student body narrowly passed the LEED certification referrendum, Student Body President Stefanos Arethas has dispatched a letter to several members of campus administration advising them to ignore the results. The article published by the UTimes 'LEED'ing into Destruction recounts the election and events after.
