Iconic UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
The UTEP Student Union — an iconic building that reflects college life — is being torn down to make way for a more modernized student facility. The change will also raise the student union fee to help finance the construction project.
The Texas Senate has passed House Bill 2853, sponsored by Sen. César J. Blanco and authored by Rep. Vince Perez, to support the expansion and modernization of the Student Union at The University of Texas at El Paso.
In a news release issued Tuesday, May 27, Blanco said the bill raises the cap on the student union fee, last set in 1987, to help finance the demolition of UTEP's current Student Union and the construction of a modern facility designed to meet the needs of the university's growing student population.
The student body approved the incremental fee increase in a campus-wide referendum held in September 2024.
The Union fee paid by UTEP students will increase incrementally over the next three years:
2025-2026: $70 per semester, $35 summer
2026-2027: $120 per semester, $60 summer
2027-2028: $150 per semester, $75 summer
House Bill 2853 now heads back to the House for concurrence. If that occurs, the bill will be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for consideration.
The Student Union is the heart of the campus, but has remained outdated for many years, Blanco said.
"When I was a student at UTEP, the Student Union was where we crammed for exams, organized student events, and grabbed a bite between classes. But even back then, it felt outdated. It's always been the heart of campus, but now it's finally getting the investment it deserves," he said.
He added, "UTEP is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the country, and its facilities should reflect that momentum. I'm proud to help bring to life a vision that is shaped by student voices that honors the past while building for the future. This new Union will be a hub for connection and Miner pride for years to come."
The El Paso Times has reached out to UTEP officials for the timeline of the project. Officials said they do not have a construction schedule at this time.
Rep. Vince Perez said, 'The student union facility was built shortly after World War II, and generations of UTEP students have walked its halls, studied in its spaces, and built lifelong memories there. At that time, UTEP was a small institution of just 3,000 students: today, it's a nationally recognized university with an enrollment exceeding 25,000.
"This bill will deliver the modern, state-of-the-art facility our students need and deserve, supporting their success for generations to come. I'm honored that this was my first bill in the Texas House, and I'm proud to see it successfully through the legislative process. I'm also tremendously grateful to UTEP President Heather Wilson, whose tireless advocacy was instrumental in this bill's passage, and to Sen. Blanco, who skillfully shepherded it through the Senate," Perez added.
UTEP Student Government Association President Edgar Loya said the UTEP Student Union was in dire need of an update.
"I am so thankful for the support from our elected officials to make this happen, and especially the leadership from Sen. Blanco and Rep. Perez," Loya said. "We are glad that the Texas Legislature supported the outcome of our student vote to improve this important student resource."
In September of 2024, the UTEP student body voted in favor of replacing Union West and renovating Union East. UTEP Miners asked for a more modern, accessible student-centered facility that would include the following:
A new, modern, multipurpose Union West building, showcasing UTEP pride.
Lounge, study and collaborative spaces with ample seating.
Student organization work and meeting spaces.
Space for a pool, ping-pong, and other tabletop games.
Area for e-sports and PC gaming.
New dining venue with healthy food options, accessible after hours.
Space to host programs such as career fairs, speakers, comedy nights, open mic nights, poetry slams and karaoke.
State-of-the-art technology and plenty of electrical outlets.
Large ballroom for hosting events for 600-800 people.
Shaded outdoor plaza area (between Union West and East) for live entertainment and other events.
Sustainable features include solar panels, LED lighting, and water efficiency.
More: UTEP discus thrower Esther Osisike breaks through to win a title
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: UTEP Student Union to be torn down, replaced with updated building
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