University of California, Riverside
Student Center Feasibility Study and Referendum Analysis
In April 2006, the Division of Student
Affairs at the University of California,
Riverside selected Brailsford & Dunlavey to
assess the opportunity to upgrade and expand
the student services located at the Veitch
Student Center. The goal of the study was to
understand the feasibility of moving forward
with a student referendum to support improved
student service facilities at the
University.
The 13,000 gross square foot Veitch Student Center served as the home for the University's Health Center, Career Center, and Counseling Center. However, a study completed by the campus planning office determined that the facility would need approximately 38,000 gross square foot to meet the various departments' future needs. B&D's market research included reviewing existing documentation and programming information, touring the existing facilities, conducting focus groups and intercept interviews, implementing and analyzing an electronic student survey, and completing a competitive context analysis of four campuses with similar facilities.
B&D's research clearly demonstrated that the existing facilities were insufficient and inadequate to meet the University's growing needs, and that a facility project was required to ensure that the University could continue to provide the appropriate level of student services. Additionally, B&D concluded there was insufficient support to pass a campus-wide fee referendum for this project. It was recommended that certain initiatives be undertaken to ensure the project's success, such as a comprehensive Awareness Campaign and consideration of funding partnerships.