The Atrium and Talley Student Center have been essential parts of N.C. State’s campus for decades. The facilities, designed in the early 1970s, were intended for only 14,000 students. Needless to say, with the University’s 30,000 current attendees, the need for renovation is long overdue. In the words of Jim Ceresnak, student body president, “students deserve this.”
The proposed idea, Rally 4 Talley, is a tremendous renovation project designed to expand and remodel the Talley Student Center and the Atrium. The new renovations include a coffee shop, larger dining area, and bookstore all while striving toward environmental sustainability. The plans also call for a pedestrian walkway extending from Broughton Hall. In all, it will cater to NCSU’s ever-increasing student population.
The most pertinent question is, “how will we pay for this?” The project directors have proposed a phased increase in student fees. The fees would begin increasing each year after the fall of 2010. However, with the economy in an unsteady position, is this the right time?
I have seen the drawing boards and spoken with the campaign’s designers — the project is brilliant. It will create an expanded space for students to study and relax, as well as boost campus aesthetics. One point of view, however, is that spending money right now by increasing fees is not something students want to see. The other point of view is that now is the best time to launch the project. Construction materials and costs are lower right now — the sooner we begin the better.
The designers and coordinators are doubtlessly concerned about students’ views and are making considerable efforts to follow the campus consensus. The process of adding or increasing any student fees must go through a lengthy approval process. Assuming the project escapes the approval process, its price tag is an estimated $120-$150 million dollars.
I am standing at the crossroads with this in mind. On one hand, I am not sure right now is the best time to launch this project. I agree it is long overdue. I also agree that students deserve this, but I listen to rumors of increased taxes and enormous unpaid debt from the state and federal government and wonder if spending additional funds is the wisest decision.
Our economy is very much in an “experimental” position. Asking for more money is increasing risk. I trust the University to keep the costs as low as possible, but someone must pay in the end.
On the other hand, there is a part of me that wants to stand up and shout, “yes… let’s get the ball rolling!” It would make sense to start the project while construction costs are so low, plus it would provide work for the builders and designers involved. I love the idea of expansion for our enormous student population and I certainly believe they deserve the best. I also like the idea of beautifying the campus. A more innovative, student-centered campus means more incoming students will place the University high on their list of schools to attend (in addition, of course, to our superb academics).
So, I leave the conclusion up to the student body. I say students should have the final say in whether or not this project benefits the University’s well being.
