Letter to the Editor: UTEP Student Government regarding Union Referendum vote

Courtesy of SGA

Edgar Loya (left) and James Paul Duran (right) are advocating for UTEP students to vote yes for the Student Union Referendum.

Edgar Loya and James-Paul Duran • September 12, 2024

This is your Student Government Association President and Senate Majority Leader, Edgar Loya and James-Paul Duran, reaching out to let you know about the future of our university.

Our Union has been standing since 1949. As UTEP expands in academic excellence, it must also expand the student experience. We want to inform you of the student effort that can help accomplish this: A new Student Union West!

The Student Union West is envisioned as a vibrant epicenter on our campus. This new Student Union West will be more than just a building; it will be a community center, a place for students to meet, collaborate, and relax. It will feature modern facilities, including improved dining areas, versatile study spaces, lounges, a game room, and spaces designed for student organizations and activities. The new Student Union West aims to transform how we experience campus life. With your needs in mind, it has been conceptually designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive space that encourages engagement and fosters a sense of belonging among all Miners.

An initiative of this scale requires student support, not just in spirit but also in approval of an increase in a student fee. This fee increment is crucial for funding the construction and ensuring that both Union buildings meets modern standards and student expectations. Voting in favor of this project means investing in the future of our University and in enhancing the value of our campus for current and future students.

I urge you to participate in the upcoming Student Government Association Elections to vote regarding this project. Elections will take place Sept. 16 through Sept. 19 through MineTracker. We will be sure to inform you about the elections closer to the date! For more information on the project, feel free to check out our website at utep.edu/union-referendum. There you will be able to find more information and conceptual renderings of a new building.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this transformative project. Together, we can make UTEP an even greater place to learn, live, and lead.