The Union Board will no longer charge student groups and organizations a fee to meet in a room in the Union, according to Jason Tolliver, executive director of University Auxiliary Services and the Student Union.
Tolliver said all students can now use the rooms for free, but there will be a modest charge for usage of the Cotillion Ballroom and the Union Theater.
“We hope this will increase student participation in the utilization of the building,” Tolliver said.
Students already pay a fee for the Union, and Tolliver said he wants that fee to be applied to the use of the rooms available.
Previously, the Union charged $25 to $150 to reserve a room, with costs varying by the space.
Stephen Barr, director of contract management and technology of UAS, supports the change.
“The Union is here for students, and they should be able to use it freely,” Barr said.
Elaine Giles, president of Student Activities Board and mass communication junior, said the SAB frequently uses rooms in the Union.
“A portion of our budget pays for Union services, and we will no longer be using it on reserving rooms in the Union for our meetings,” Giles said.
 
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Contact Claire Caillier at [email protected]