As construction in the Student Union continues, administrators began planning which retail outlets will occupy some of the space. After members of University Auxiliary Services performed studies, University officials are making first drafts of two “Requests for Proposal” documents meant to attract interested retail options to the Union. Jason Tolliver, director of University Auxiliary Services, said a student survey was given to assess what retail options were most popular with students.The survey had about 4,165 participants. About 58 percent of those students favored a movie theater in the Union. About 49 percent also favored having a copy center. Students were allowed to chose more than one option in the survey.But the University has narrowed its options to two types of stores: an eye-care outlet and a computer service and supply store. Though the survey showed more popular options, conditions like available space and expectations for use were important in the decision.When Phase I of Union construction is completed, there will be an extra 2,000 square feet of space available to be rented out. While this space could be divided between some outlets, other choices like a movie theater or a testing assistance center would not fit easily.Though the RFPs aren’t expected to be ready for release until January, officials have already decided on some basic content information.”A lot of what goes into the RFPs is standard University language,” said Shirley Plakidas, Union director. “It’s the same kind of things that go into standard proposals.”Items like the need for liability insurance and an indemnity clause are standard parts of any University contract. Plakidas said a clause in the RFP will give the University ownership over any permanent installations tenants may add.Some specifics in the RFPs, like an on-staff optometrist for the eye-care store or free computer repair services, have been discussed.  There has also been debate about whether the new outlets will be forced to pay a flat rental rate for the space or if they will pay based on commission. Because the University is only active for part of the year, any retail store coming to campus would have to be able to survive on income only during certain parts of the year.”The unique thing about retail on a college campus is that it isn’t a 12-month retail season,” Tolliver said. “Vendors need to have an appreciation of that before they come to campus.”—-Contact Adam Duvernay at [email protected]