In the upcoming student elections, students may vote to approve a unit-based enrollment fee for a new student center, creating a space for students to relax and access various resources.

If implemented, the student center will guarantee individual students and student organizations their own autonomous presence on campus. The facility will provide resources for health and wellness as well as a space for clubs, events and community issues.

“Students who are happy are healthier,” Student Senate Advisor Ian Mauer said. “This will create the opportunity for students to feel comfortable on campus, make connections, make friends, get involved in clubs, get involved in activities and to be distracted from classes for a few minutes. These are all things that will make students more successful in the classroom.”

The student senate, faculty and student body will decide what services the student center will provide if the referendum is approved.

“There is very much a commuter mentality,” Mauer said. “It’s demanding being a student, having a job, family and social life. If there are more facilities for students to hang out here on campus, it will bring more community and more life to the campus.”

In addition to general facility updates, the fee will go to improving technology available to students. The fee is $1 per unit, with an annual $10 cap. If a student is enrolled for four units, they will only pay $4 toward the fee.

Though it is variable to student enrollment, the Associated Student Senate and its advisors project it will have a $200,000 budget to allocate toward the new student center and other student community outlets should the referendum pass.

Students receiving benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Program or the General Assistance program will be exempt from paying the fee requirement.