U of I Students to Vote on Assembly Hall Fee

As University of Illinois trustees plan a vote on upgrades to Assembly Hall, the Urbana student body gets to have a say as well this week.

On Thursday, trustees will vote on an upgrade to architecture and design work, but anyone enrolled in classes can participate in a student vote Tuesday and Wednesday to start up a $25 student fee.   

Urbana Student Trustee David Pileski said these funds would make more visible changes, including restrooms on the upper level, an internal lobby, and air conditioning. He said freshmen notice the lack of air conditioning when they attend convocation in August.

“For a lot of students, they’re staying on campus in the summer, and so, it’s really compelling because Assembly Hall essentially has to shut down because it’s too difficult to house anything in the summer because it gets so hot," he said.  "The fact that they may be able to enjoy concerts and other opportunities at Assembly Hall while they’re here is something that a lot of students find ideal.”

Students already pay another fee for Assembly Hall to cover areas like reduced ticket pricing for concerts. 

If the item is approved, Pileski said those results will go before a student fee advisory committee, which will decide whether to recommend the changes to Urbana Chancellor Phyllis Wise and the Board of Trustees.

The online vote is open to all undergraduate and graduate students on the Urbana campus.  Election polls opened at midnight Tuesday, and remain open for 48 hours.

Unofficial totals will be released at the U of I trustees' meeting, which is Thursday at the Illini Union.