California State University Channel Islands
Student Union Feasibility Analysis
In January 2006, the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) of California State University Channel Islands engaged Brailsford & Dunlavey to complete a student union feasibility analysis. With an ever-increasing student population, ASI and the University projected the need for a community-focused student union building. B&D's objective was to determine the need for, and feasibility of, a centralized student union on the University's campus.
To accomplish this goal, B&D completed several distinct analyses including a review of existing ASI and University documents; a competitive context analysis of peer institutions; tours of other campus unions; interviews with University administrators, ASI members, and students; a student survey; and demand-based programming. B&D's market analysis demonstrated that a student union would provide much-needed socialization space and student organizational space, as well as offer an informal atmosphere which currently did not exist on campus. B&D recommended that the University develop a comprehensive student union with multiple phases constructed over time to accommodate anticipated enrollment increases.
B&D was re-engaged later in the year to develop a detailed financial model, highlighting the revenues necessary to make the project a reality. In addition, B&D was asked to provide ASI with referendum support services, which ultimately aided ASI in passing a student fee increase to support the debt service and operations of the proposed student union.
As a result, the groundbreaking for the new 23,000 square foot student union took place on November 6, 2008.
