Renovations currently are underway in the Union’s Royal Ballroom, courtesy of a portion of students’ fees.
According to Shirley Plakidas, Union director, the ballroom is being updated with all new lighting fixtures, including replacing the current 30-year-old chandeliers. In addition, the entire ceiling is being redone, the stage area and sound system are being updated and new glass doors will be installed.
Plakidas said the renovations were necessary.
“We literally had parts of the ceiling crumbling,” she said. “The lights were also very energy inefficient and out-of-date.”
All of these projects are being financed by the Union budget, including financial reserves the Union has built up over time. These funds come directly from students’ fees.
“When students pay tuition every semester, $47 of it comes to the Union,” Plakidas said. “That is what comprises 60 percent of the Union’s operating budgets.”
These funds are being used for other projects as well. Plakidas said plans are in the works to redesign the information desk on the second floor.
“We want to make it more like an airport terminal outlet, where people can buy magazines and candy and such,” Plakidas said.
In addition, Union officials are planning to update the Acadian and Feliciana Rooms and make the entire building more energy efficient.
Some students were displeased their money is being used for the renovations, while others felt their money was going to a worthwhile cause.
“There are a lot of other projects that are more important,” said Bill Martin, a mass communication sophomore. “There are a lot of other things [the money] could be used for.”
Lauren DeVun, an interior design senior, agreed other things were more important on campus.
“I don’t think it’s useful because there are so many things the students use besides the ballroom,” she said.
Jarhonda Perkins, a graduate student in social work, said she did not mind having a portion of her tuition going toward Union projects.
“It’s a good thing for us to have a nice Union, because a lot of schools don’t have nice unions,” she said.
Joseph Hebert, a business senior, agreed that the renovations were beneficial to all students because the ballroom is available for various functions.
Plakidas said no events have been planned in the ballroom until the end of February, when the renovations are expected to be completed.