The Student Government Association wants students to have a stronger role in supporting the new student center, said Adam Ittenbach, vice president of SGA.
The at-large caucus of SGA is working to come up with ways to raise students' awareness of the project, such as hosting social events in the proposed area for the new center, Andrew Greider, at-large chair, said.
In the fall of 2000, university officials announced plans to build a student center connecting the Teachers College and the Arts and Journalism Building. The new student center, to be located in the parking lot between the two buildings, will be easier to reach than the current one, Ittenbach said.
"The student center should be the focal point of any university," Ittenbach said. "Our main goal is to keep students on campus between classes."
Ittenbach said the current student center is rarely used because of its location on the south side of campus.
"AJ has taken the place of the Student Center, and it's a shame becuse that's an academic building," Ittenbach said.
According to an internet survey of 2,073 students taken during the 1999-2000 school year, 53 percent said they didn't use the Student Center because of its southern location on campus.
Building a new student center will cost an estimated $25 million, with students paying about $30 to $75 each. Donations from corporations, individuals and alumni will take care of the rest of the expense.
Ittenbach said that administrative and non-student organizations are crowding into the Student Center and leaving less space for student groups.
"We're just asking for something every campus has," Ittenbach said.
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