FAQs

How will this benefit all students and the university as a whole?

This project will benefit the everyday needs of students by providing places to meet up with friends, meeting spaces with up-to-date technology, and renovated retail options.
It will provide a powerful first impression for campus visitors and prospective students during on-campus events and visits.
Overall, the project will project a positive image for Kansas State University while providing a "campus living room" all K-Staters can be proud of.

What is the benefit of updated student organization space?

This renovation will offer organizations across campus the opportunity to collaborate on projects and events. This collaboration will benefit the entire University through stronger programming opportunities and foster a greater community feel among diverse groups of students.
All student groups will benefit from improved technology and meetings spaces dedicated solely for student use.

What student organizations are going to get office space?

Student organizations that are housed and currently have running offices in the Union will continue to have a permanent home in the "new" Union. These organizations include the Office of Student Activities and Services (OSAS), Union Program Council, Multicultural Student Organizations, Wildcat 91.9, and Greek Affairs.
ALL student organizations will have the ability to utilize meeting and work spaces, as wellas conference rooms, in the expanded student organization area.

The current Union layout is confusing. Will the renovation help fix this?

Yes! The project calls for "common sense" upgrades to make the Union easier to navigate.

How long will students be paying the renovation fee?

The $20/semester fee will begin in fall of 2014 and will be in effect for 30 years. However, with continued funding cuts to higher education, it is possible that the fee will be re-purposed at that time. As part of the privilege fee, students have full control over the future of this fee through Student Governing Association.

Why is it the student body's responsibility to pay for this project?

In 1938, students voted to pay an extra $5 each semester (equivalent to $80/semester today) to build the Student Union. Since then, the Union has been funded by students, for students. The Student Union is a separate entity from the University, and exists solely to serve the students of Kansas State University.

I'm a distance education student or take classes at K-State Salina. Will this fee increase affect me?

No! The proposed privilege fee increase begins in fall 2014, and applies to undergraduate students taking 9 or more credit hours on the Manhattan campus and graduate students taking 6 or more credit hours on the Manhattan campus.

When will construction begin, and how long will it last?

Construction began in the fall of 2015 and the Union Renovation Celebration was held October 13, 2017 to celebrate the completion of the project. A full project timeline can be viewed here.

Won't the construction interrupt the school year and "flow" of the Union?

No, the project will not cause any major interruptions to the school year or daily flow of the Union. The construction is planned to happen in phases. Once construction is completed in one area they will move to the next, and the Union will stay operational throughout. As of October 2017, all renovations are complete. A list of permanently relocation offices, business and organizations can be found here.