The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is seeing exponential growth within its student population. With more students enrolling and campus buildings growing older, changes must be made to accommodate for new advancements.
The Student Union West is proposed to be demolished with a brand-new Student Union building that will offer a new dining venue, plenty of seating, lounging, and student organization spaces.
Originally opened in 1949 the facility has been used as the student hub. As demand for more space rose, expansions were made which then created Union East in 1969. With even more students, the 228,804 square feet building can no longer sustain the amount of students.
With time not being on the side of the 75-year-old structure, the building has been facing a series of ceiling leaks, worn out furniture and an overall outdated appearance.
Student Government Association President Edgar Loya says it is vital that students are aware of this referendum since it affects the entire student body.
“With the referendum, that is something that is going to affect every student on campus,” said Loya. “We want to go ahead and get the word out there and give as much information to students so they can make an educated vote.”
Of course, no change is made for free. Loya shares that the student fees would periodically increase.
“For the 2025-2026 school year, (the fee) would go up to $70 per semester. From the 2026-2027 school year, it would jump to $120 and lastly from 2027-2028 school year it would cap off at $150 per semester,” said Loya. “I think the biggest advantage though is that it isn’t an overnight increase as it is with other institutions where out of nowhere, they go ahead and raise the fee.”
To students who choose not to engage with voting because they may feel their voice isn’t heard, Loya advises every vote is worth it.
“If you decide to not vote, the people that do decide to go ahead and get engaged civically, their vote is going to be worth a lot more.”
UTEP student Haven Martinez shares that the idea of a new Union seems enticing, but she is not supportive of the additional fees.
“As a student it hurts to be having to pay for something else,” Martinez said. “Parking is already expensive enough; I don’t really want to be paying extra for a new Student Union. Don’t get me wrong it is an amazing idea, but I just feel that a lot of students don’t want to pay additional fees.”
UTEP student Josiah Armendariz shares his excitement for voting in favor of the referendum.
“It’s something new for UTEP why wouldn’t I vote in favor of it,” Armendariz said. “Modern spaces are really in, and I know for a fact I would use the space for my own leisure, and I am sure majority of students would do the same.”
Students can cast their vote via MineTracker and will take place from Sept. 16 through Sept. 19. To learn more about the referendum visit utep.edu/union-referendum.
Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected]
