Board of Regents approves renovations to Sage Hall, new sexual assault policy, partnership with Dallas Cowboys

[Skipper]

Julia Falcon | Staff Writer

@falconjulia22

On Friday, The UNT System Board of Regents approved a renovation project for the first floor of Sage Hall that will change it into a student academic success center.

The board agreed to amend the University of North Texas System Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Plan with a given budget of $1.85 million to pave the way for renovations.

James Maquire, vice chancellor for administrative services, proposes to amend the University of North Texas System Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Improvement Plan to make renovations in Sage Hall at UNT for a first-floor student acedemic success center. The Board of Regents passed the motion. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

They did not pave the way, however, for a proposed increase of the recreational facility fee to about $7 per month.

“The amount of waivers that have come through have been high. There is $1.8 million of revenue lost,” vice president of student affairs Elizabeth With said. “Each year we replace equipment. Now we have settling issues to take care of. The newness is very important to us.”

UNT President Neal Smatresk said he would like to support the increase in use of the recreation center and is in favor of the fee raise. However, Chairman of the UNT System Board of Regents Brint Ryan said that there is not enough information to pass this motion.

Elizabeth With, vice president of student affairs, proposes an increase the student recreational fee to renovate the Pohl Recreation Center at UNT. The Board of Regents met May 19th and 20th at the University of North Texas System Building. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

While the motion was withdrawn from the agenda, Smatresk’s support indicates it will likely be reexamined at a later meeting.

The board also approved language in its Policy for Prohibition of Sexual Assault.

House Bill 699 requires that each of the UNT campuses adopt specific sexual assault policies. Title IX coordinators at the university created these policies to enforce rules and training to avoid sexual assault on campuses, and these policies are in compliance with state and federal laws.

Nancy Footer, vice chancellor and general counsel, proposes that each UNT campus adopt sexual assualt policies. These policies are to ensure safer environments on school campuses. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

A motion for UNT to become the exclusive higher education partner to the Dallas Cowboys also passed Friday. The partnership would theoretically bring internship possibilities and hospitality skills to students, though no final dollar amount or specific details have been made yet.

Vice president for university relations and planning Deborah Leliaert said the university will not use student tuition fees or any legislative appropriated funds to fund any future agreement.

“I think we will be expanding our brand awareness, expand opportunities with students, tap into talent and give real world skills,” Smatresk said. “Our students will benefit from having access to their staff, and if you don’t tell anyone what you’re doing, then no one knows.”

UNT President Neal Smatresk proposes to negotiate and execute a multi-year agreement for UNT and the Dallas Cowboys to the Board of Regents May 19. The agreement is expected to be signed before or in August, Deborah Leiliart, vice president of university relations and planning, said. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

Smatresk also said he thinks the university will benefit from the marketing by maximizing the value and exposure at Cowboys games, as well as on television, radio and websites.

“We hope we build a thoughtful contract,” Smatresk said. “If it’s successful we will continue, and if not we will have it out. It’s been in talks for a couple of months. We would like to be there before the next recruiting season.”

Featured Image: Brint Ryan, chairman of the UNT System Board of Regents, argues, ” It scares me to learn that in this environment, the utility cost went up 25-percent in three years,” The Board of Regents withdrew the motion from the agenda. Tomas Gonzalez | Visuals Editor

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[Silent Eagle]

It's recognition.  First step is forcing people who attend the games/watch the games to sit through UNT advertising.  If we get some epic advertising put together, actually win a few games this year and show improvement, it could add to attendance.