EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — UTEP students narrowly voted this week in favor of a student union revitalization project that would replace the Union West building and renovate the Union East, the university said in a news release issued on Friday, Sept. 20.
A total of 1,171 students voted in favor of the referendum; 1,098 voted against. The project was approved by just 73 votes.
The student campus improvement project now heads to the Texas state Legislature for approval, UTEP said.
“Passing this referendum was a collaborative effort and I thank all the students for engaging in the election. The building of a new Student Union West is built on the principle that every student’s voice matters. Voters didn’t just approve a new building —they are endorsing a brighter, more dynamic future for all Miners, present and future,” said UTEP Student Government Association (SGA) President Edgar Loya.
According to the UTEP SGA website, after a comprehensive review by facilities services professionals, the cost of ongoing repairs, deferred maintenance and renovation to the Union West building would be greater than the cost of demolition and replacement, UTEP said in its news release.
After a number of focus groups and feedback from town hall meetings, students have asked for a more modern, accessible, student-centered facility that could include some of the following, according to UTEP:
• A new, modern, multipurpose Union West building, showcasing UTEP pride.
• Lounge, study and collaborative spaces with ample seating.
• Student organization work and meeting spaces.
• Space for pool, ping-pong and other tabletop gaming.
• Area for esports and PC gaming.
• New dining venue with healthy food options, accessible after hours.
• Space to host programs such as career fairs, speakers, comedy nights, open mic nights, poetry slams and karaoke.
• State-of-the-art technology and plenty of electrical outlets.
• Large ballroom for hosting events for 600 to 800 people.
• Shaded outdoor plaza area (between Union West and East) for live entertainment and other events.
• Sustainable features such as solar panels, LED lighting and water efficiency.
“Our student leadership did a great job and I commend them for a strong start to the Student Union revitalization project,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “They worked well together, listened to their peers, came up with good concepts that will make the campus better, and explained things well to the campus. I look forward to continuing to work with them to make this project a reality.”
If approved by the Legislature, the Union fee paid by UTEP students would increase incrementally over the next three years:
2025-2026: $70 per semester, $35 summer
2026-2027: $120 per semester, $60 summer
2027-2028: $150 per semester, $75 summer
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