Leaving a legacy: UND students vote to build new Memorial Union

UND students voted to leave a legacy for future students on Tuesday.

They voted 1,306 to 1,133 (54 percent to 46 percent) to increase their student fees and build a new Memorial Union.

Planning for the new building, which will cost about $80 million, will begin soon. The building is expected to be completed in Spring 2021, pending approval by the State Board of Higher Education and the North Dakota State Legislature.

The new, 158,000 square-foot, three-story Memorial Union will include study and meeting spaces with up-to-date technology, expanded dining and retail options, indoor/outdoor gathering spaces, a rooftop terrace, and more.

The new building will be the cornerstone of campus, said student leaders.

“The new Union will have a significant impact on student life,” said Erik Hanson, student body president. “It will set the standard for the next generation on campus.”

He added that keeping the campus community updated on plans and progress will be a priority, and they will be seeking student input throughout the process.

“We hope students will be on the lookout for opportunities to be involved in the process,” said Hanson.

Student fees will increase by $14 per credit hour, capped at 12 credits per semester, beginning with the Spring 2020 semester. The fee will increase by 2 percent each year from 2020 to 2059.

“Students voted to leave a legacy,” said Hanson. “The students before us invested in the Wellness Center, knowing that many of them would never use it. Now we are making an investment in our alma mater and leaving an impact on UND for years to come. This will benefit the next generation of students.”

“We are thrilled about the passing of the Memorial Union vote,” said UND President Mark Kennedy. “The new space will transform our campus and is an example of our students’ commitment to creating community among our current and future generations of students. This is an exciting time for UND.”

The current building, which was built in three phases beginning in 1951 with additions in 1964 and 1983, needs a new roof, along with fire safety, heating, plumbing, electrical, and accessibility updates, totaling $40 million.

That building will be razed and the new building will replace it. Memorial Union staff will soon begin communicating with departments who have scheduled events in the current building.

More information will be available soon.