Off-Campus Life Alternate Location: Strand Union Building 268
Description of Request
Submitted By: ASMSU/Office of Student Engagement
It has been communicated to Auxiliaries and the Director of the Strand Union Building (SUB) that First Interstate Bank, located in room 268 of the SUB, will be closing over the summer of 2022 and may not reopen going forward. However, if they do pursue a reopening in the fall of 2022, they have indicated that they do not intend to renew their current lease which ends in June of 2023. With this new space opportunity, the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) and ASMSU request that room 268 be reallocated to the Office of Student Engagement for the creation of an Off-Campus Life Resource Center (OCL).
The OCL was previously granted the space adjacent to the Bobcat Grill on the first floor of the SUB, but construction timelines and cost are a major factor, and it is unlikely the space can be constructed and available for at least 2 years. The use of this space would allow the OCL to open within a more immediate timeframe; potentially as soon as fall of 2022, or at the end of First Interstate’s lease period in 2023. It is also a more visible location to support student awareness. Temporary furniture solutions will support the center until renovations can be completed, and ASMSU would be able to use the space flexibly over the next year in conjunction with their current space while waiting for construction to begin. Renovations will include the construction of 2-3 small office spaces for legal services to conduct private meetings with student clients, and potentially changing the storefront appearance of the space.
The OCL would host crucial student services for which students are increasingly seeking support like legal aid, housing, food security, childcare, and transportation alternatives. This space would be a high profile, one-stop-shop for students to identify campus and community resources to support their basic needs. If approved, SUB 153 would be returned to the space pool to continue to be utilized as is or other building occupants can submit proposals for another use. As with the previous request, OSE will fund the improvements using Student Building Fee Funds.
SUB Advisory Board (SUBAB) Recommendation:
The SUBAB reviewed the proposal and have voted in favor of the Off-Campus Life resource center assuming the space currently occupied by First Interstate Bank. This will allow for the center to begin to create a presence in the SUB and provide much needed services to students.
Resolution
Date: June 24, 2022
Space Management Committee has approved the space allocation in the SUB 268 for use as an Off-Campus Life Resource Center.