U of S Board Approves Funds for Student's Union Expansion Project

Posted May 24, 2000


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday May 12, 2000 2000-05-07-OTHER

U of S Board Agrees Funds For Students' Union
Expansion Project

The U of S Board of Governors agreed to support capital and operating costs
of $1.35 million annually to occupy a portion of the Student's Union Place
Riel expansion project.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $31 million.
Construction is expected to begin during the fall of 2001 and ready for
occupants in October 2003. However, before construction can begin, the
students must secure $14 million in sponsorship funding.

The Board also agreed to release a balance of $5.1 million from the
Students' Union Building Trust Fund, approximately $400,000 from the Campus
Centre Trust Fund and a $1 million donation from Nova Corp for Aboriginal
student facilities.

Dr. Tony Whitworth, Vice-President of Finance and Resources said, "I have
only praise for the student leaders, who approached this expansion project
with due diligence, creativity and who have worked cooperatively with the
University. I believe that the result will enhance the experience of
generations of students to come."

Plans for the new three-storey 17,000 square foot building include,
relocation of the campus pub, Student Employment Center, Interfaith Chapel,
Aboriginal meeting area, counseling services, health centre and registrar's
office.

This will free up space in the existing Place Riel center, in which two new
retail units will be built. The Memorial Union Building, currently housing
Louis' pub, will also get a face lift. The pub will be replaced with an
upscale restaurant.

"This is an exciting time for the Students' Union," said Aaron Dougan,
President of the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union. "We are very
pleased that the Board has committed to the space the University will occupy
and the associated costs. In the coming year, we will solicit sponsorship
and we fully intend to report to the Board of Governors within a year," he
concluded.


For more information, contact:

Dr. Tony Whitworth
Vice President of Finance and Resources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6631