Students demonstrate for SEC last night at Dixon

Last night, students in the AHE 406 Organizing for Social Change congregated outside Dixon Rec Center with signs and petitions as a demonstration of support for the Student Experience Center.

 "As many know, there was a 2009 student referendum for increased tuition to pass the SEC," said Andy Derringer, Chief of Operations for the Associated Students of Oregon State University. "We're hoping to get it passed this Spring."

The demonstrators were hoping to gain signatures on the petition in order to send it to local representatives and voice disinclinations toward Snell Hall, the current home of all student organizations on campus, which the SEC will replace should it get passed.

"Student organizations are really important, they complement the education you get," said Nick Hart, former Inter Fraternity Council recruiter and student demonstrator. "Right now they're in a building that doesn't exemplify how important they are."

Hart also discussed OSU's student government as one that is recognized nationally, and they are housed in a "condemned" building.

"Greek life is also housed in Snell and it's the biggest student organization — they deserve a better working environment," he said.

According to ASOSU Senator and intern Victoria Rodman, students have been lobbying at the capital for the last couple weeks: "It's sounding pretty good."

Rodman said the problems encountered with legislators regarding the SEC last year occurred because it was part of the capital construction bill, along with other big buildings around the state that posed more of a risk. "They approved the SEC, but not the others," she said.

The 35-day "short" session in which discussions regarding funds for the building is underway in Salem. The Daily Barometer will continue to report on hearings as they occur.

Joce DeWitt, news editor

737-2231 news@dailybarometer.com

On Twitter: @Joce_DeWitt