UAOSU Response to OSU’s Stadium Renovation

Published by Megan on

We, the elected leadership of UAOSU, are outraged by the administration’s decision to pursue a
$153 million stadium renovation project at this, of all moments.
OSU has laid off staff and demanded salary reductions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
even as it has asked faculty, staff, and graduate employees to take on increased workloads to
ensure students continue to receive a high-quality education and the support services they
need.


For years, faculty and students have called for increased support for child care; student mental
health services; and renovation of core classroom and lab spaces, some of which are in
significant states of deterioration. Recently, our students have demanded additional resources
for anti-racist education and support for BIPOC students, faculty, and staff, more funding for
sexual assault services and prevention programs, and efforts to contain the rising cost of tuition
and fees for students facing historic levels of debt.
Yet the administration has decided to supplement a $50 million anonymous donation with $68
million of the university’s funds to “improve the OSU fan experience at games” and “advance
our competitiveness in the PAC-12 Conference,” in the words of OSU President F. King
Alexander.

Given that OSU tuition and state education revenue already directly subsidizes Athletics to the
tune of $8 million annually and that OSU projects about a $40 million deficit in its Corvallis
education and general fund for 2020–2021, these are absurd priorities.
We urge OSU’s administration to reverse its decision to direct university funds to this project
and to prioritize OSU’s core educational, research, and outreach missions.
Join us in condemning this ill-conceived and poorly-timed use of university resources by signing
this petition started by UAOSU members Rena Lauer, Lily Sheehan, and Megan Ward.

In solidarity,
UAOSU Executive Council and Representative Assembly

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