Davies Center is a unique building on campus. As the campus’ student union, it is the only building paid for through student segregated fees.

The building, built in 1959, is showing signs of its age. In comparison to many other UW System schools, our student union is a disgrace and an embarrassment.

Efforts have been made in the past to try to fix and update the center, such as the recent remodeling work. In 2003, aÿreferendum was held, which asked student to approve a new, $36.1 million center. With the highest voter turnout in 28 years, students voted 4-to-1 not to add the center.

On Oct. 10, a majority of Student Senators voted to place the future of Davies Center into the hands of three university governing bodies: Student Senate, United Hall Council and the University Centers and Programs Advisory Committee.

However, they voted to keep the most important group of people out of the final decision-making process – the students.

While student votes were the roadblock that kept the new center from being approved in 2003, it doesn’t make our individual voices any less important. It’s likely that many student voters were turned off by the price tag of the center, something that was not fully explained to them.

It’s Student Senate’s and the university’s job to explain and to sell students on changes that will be in their best interest.

To treat the student body like unreasonable roadblocks to this process is insulting.ÿIf the process is explained fully to students, it’s likely they will approve it.

But this means the university and, more specifically, Student Senate would have to spend time through advertising campaigns, forums and listening sessions to get students on board.

The approved method of gathering student input through an Internet survey is likely to be ineffective and is impersonal.

Senators must take the time to meet with students individually to really hear their opinions on this important issue.