FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

The portion of your student fee that covers repairs and renovations of the Memorial Union would increase from $3.85/credit to $6.85/credit (capped at 12 credits/semester).

The increased fee would be invested directly back into the Memorial Union and Ladd Hall to support renovations, repairs, and long‑term improvements. The focus is on creating spaces that better serve students—expanding areas for support services, improving accessibility and navigation, and adding more opportunities for connection, creativity, and community. Enhancements would also include refreshed lounges, modernized event and meeting spaces, and an updated design that makes the Union feel like the heart of campus.

The fee increase would start in Fall 2026.

$25 million

Student Government and other student leaders serve as members of the Memorial Union Renovation and Expansion Steering Committee. They have been involved in all aspects of the evaluation and planning process. In addition, the entire student body was asked to participate in a brief survey in May 2025 to gather feedback on the building. This feedback was utilized to shape the conceptual renderings.

If approved, students will remain closely involved throughout the renovation process. There will be multiple opportunities to participate in upcoming phases, including serving on committees and sharing feedback through a variety of engagement channels. Information about these opportunities will be shared as they become available through the Memorial Union website and other campus communication channels, ensuring students can stay informed and involved every step of the way.

The conceptual renderings are not the final design. The renderings represent ideas and concepts shared by students for what they may want to see in a renovation project. The design will not be finalized until after the vote and a project architect is chosen. Students will be involved in determining what the final design will be.

Voting is scheduled for February 24 – 26, 2026. Voting will open at 7:59 AM on February 24 and close at 5:00 PM on February 26. The voting process will be administered online by Student Government.

All students enrolled in at least one credit hour of coursework at North Dakota State University, except those primarily enrolled at another institution or taking courses through a collaborative education or dual-credit program, are eligible to vote.

• Spring 2026: Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a project architect
• Late spring/summer/fall 2026: Student focus groups work with the architects to provide input and feedback. The MU is the heart of campus -- it is critical that students shape its future!
• Spring 2027/Summer 2027: Renovation begins on Memorial Union
• TBD based on final design: Renovation completion

The goal would be to cause the least amount of disruption to student services as possible. Some departments may be relocated during construction, but none would be stopped or closed. The Memorial Union would remain open, but portions of the building may have limited access during construction.

The Memorial Union and Wellness Center are the only two buildings on campus primarily funded by student fees. Students in the past had a vision for these buildings/services and voted to institute the fees to cover them. It has been 23 years since students last increased the MU R&R fee to approve major renovations for the Union. The fee is needed now to meet the needs of students today.

Dining Services and Residence Life are funded as auxiliary services. Residence Halls and apartments are funded completely from the rent students pay to live in those facilities. Residence Life must manage their income and expenses to cover all of the regular maintenance (windows, roofs, heating systems) and upgrades (furnishings, technology) needed, while striving to keep the cost to students manageable.

Upgrades to other buildings on campus come from appropriated funds which are allocated by the state legislature and must be managed according to the appropriations NDSU receives.

Visit the Memorial Union website here or connect with us at tabling in the Memorial Union Sandbox from 10 am – 2 pm on the following dates:

January 26, 28, and 30; February 2, 5, 9, 11, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, and 26.

Consider attending one of the information sessions listed below:

📅 Wednesday, February 11 at 4:00 PM in the Student Engagement Office, Memorial Union

📅 Thursday, February 12 at 5:30 PM via Zoom [https://ndsu.zoom.us/j/94015043652]

Contact Lisa Samuelson, Director of the Office of Student Engagement, to schedule a presentation.