June 9, 2009 News

Three signatures closer to a student centre

by Terrine Friday

The Concordia Student Union and Concordia University finally agreed on something this year.

On May 29, the CSU and the university administration signed an agreement that will effectively allow for the construction of the university’s student centre. The nearly 100-page agreement controls all conceivable aspects of the future building’s funding and uses.

According to the agreement, the nearly $70 million project will forge ahead—even if the CSU decides to jump ship.

The document states: “Should the CSU fail to collect a sufficient levy, the university has the option of imposing and collecting its own fee under the terms of the agreement.”

Before construction is to start, the CSU must have $10 million ready for the project. Students will eventually be responsible for 62 per cent of the cost of the building.

Construction of the proposed student centre already costs students $2 per credit, even though the university suggested a fee levy increase to $5.40 per credit would be necessary to finance the project.