Bayou Pointe: Disappointed, but not surprised
March 20, 2018
Last week, ULM officially opened the doors to Bayou Pointe, a new event center on campus.
While it looks nice to have for students and organizations on campus, the new center is simply another chance for top ULM execs to brag that the “best is on the bayou.”
Camile Currier, the vice president for student affairs, acknowledged ULM students fully funded the project at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In 2015, a campus-wide poll was taken for students to decide if they preferred keeping the natatorium or renovating it into an event center.
I’d choose something new over a pool that has been closed for over a year, too.
But what’s better than an ultimatum?
Having the liberty to say exactly what you’d like to see.
This event center could have been something never seen before on this campus. I’m sure if a bowling alley or center to just chill were options, the result would have ended much differently.
Another factor that would have swayed the vote is funding. I doubt students would agree to a new building if they knew the source of the money at the time of the vote. I also doubt ULM plans to discontinue the student enhancement fee.
This money flow will likely go towards another campus beauty project students don’t care about, like an improved dock on the bayou.
It likely won’t go towards building something we need on this campus, which would be a new residence hall.
Who knows how many people actually voted on the poll? Judging by homecoming court and SGA elections each semester, I’d guess not many.
In fact, I can’t seem to find anybody who remembers the existence of the poll. That is concerning.
Even more alarming are the requirements for student organizations to host events at “our” new facility. With students footing the bill for construction, you’d think our debt would have been paid by now.
After all, the grand total for the renovation came out to be $7 million.
Apparently, that isn’t enough.
For registered student organizations, or RSO’s, to rent the building, $1,400 must be paid. The lowest rate for any one room is $100.
Who is going to pay this much money to hold an event that could be held in the SUB ballrooms or any other on-campus location for free?
Clearly, this isn’t for the student body.
The new event center is for university officials to flaunt to campus visitors, boasting how beautiful our campus is.
Bayou Pointe: The house that the students built… and never used.
Reginald Wells Jr. • Mar 26, 2018 at 1:42 pm
To Stacy Weldon and John Patrick,
Thank you both for your parts in making ULM what it is today. As a current student, I love and appreciate this university for everything it has given me and will continue to do so. With that being said, I choose to be critical of certain issues that I may see from my perspective, because it is necessary. Only by addressing issues we see can we continue to improve this university. My issue isn’t with the idea of having a new event center on campus. I agree it is a beautiful addition, but there are a few other things we need to see on campus first. There are infrastructure problems like outdated bathrooms and also even growing mold in a few academic buildings on campus. We also have been at full capacity with on-campus housing for the past few years. While residential life is doing the best it can with resolving the issue, the best solution is to build a new residence hall. These are a few things I would have like to seen to enhance our campus before a new event center. We have hosted many events in the SUB ballrooms and banquet room of the library. The new event center wasn’t necessary, but other projects are needed. That’s my issue. Also, I am displeased at the fact that organizations on campus still have to pay to rent the center. If we are going to pay through student fees, we should be able to host events there free, because we have already paid for it.
John Patrick • Mar 22, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Well, while you are complaining about having to pay some fees to renovate a new building that will be used for the long, foreseeable future, why don’t you go over to the nice student athletic facility and have a work out? Let me see….I think I voted for and helped pay for that back in the 1980s when I was an undergrad. Never got a chance to utilize it. You are welcome.
LeZerrica • Mar 21, 2018 at 10:40 pm
Totally agree Reggie!!!! So many other things need to be done to the campus and some many other ways to use “our” money.
Raymond • Mar 21, 2018 at 5:37 pm
FACTS REGGIE!!
Stacy Weldon • Mar 21, 2018 at 12:32 pm
ULM and the student body will be given many opportunities to use this building for many things and as Alumni students will use this event center. Students pay to use other buildings on campus. Many things will be taking place in the Event Center for students. Students are proud to be part of a beautiful addition to our campus. I have talked with several students and spoke with many at the Grand Opening! I do not have time to waste today or will I try to convince someone with a closed mind on the benefits of the Bayou Pointe to ULM because I know from experience that it is something to be proud of and why you have your own view I pay for two students to attend and am proud our money went to help fund a beautiful and useful building. I paid fees for years as did my husband for the beautiful sports complex, Did I use it , no , but I helped fund it. Proud of that. So proud of ULM for adding Bayou Point! Yes ULM is the Best on the Bayou. Prettiest too! Talons Out!