President

To many students the most used service provided by the Students Association is the Union building. This building has had its fair share of criticism over the years from students. But students should be aware that it offers a wide range of facilities including the association offices, a cafeteria, restaurant, Union Hall, meeting rooms, television room and Victoria's own catering operation.

However, the Executive is well aware that the building does have its limitations, due in some part to the design of the building. Many view the cafeteria as being comparable to a large barn. The catering service has to put up with an out of date kitchen and badly situated and designed servery. There are no doubt many other objections which students have with regard to the Union.

Two points need to be made with regard to any future developments in the building. Firstly, the management of the building itself is entrusted to a Union Management Committee, this body consists of student reps and University people. Students are in a majority on the committee. Student opinion can therefore be effective but it requires representations to your reps. This can best be done through SRC. If you would like to see changes made to the building, or the things it is used for, speak up!

Secondly, plans are being formulated for the building of a three or four storey tower. This addition would have room for commercial outlets, including possibly a bank and shops, and also the administrative side of the Association.

Student participation is essential if anything is to come of the proposal. The executive should not be expected to work in a vacuum, the only way we can be responsive to the needs of the student body is if people are prepared to participate in the decision making processes of the Association.

The Union building is something which is part of most students lives, therefore all students should be prepared to become involved in the formulation of any plans for the continued development of the building.

Paul Cochrane