Why We’re Petitioning:

Union College’s sticker price exceeds $90,000 per year for tuition, room, board, and fees—a significant investment even if many students receive financial aid. Whether you pay full price or a reduced rate, the quality of our campus life and education should reflect the value we expect.

Right now, we’re falling short. Many dorms lack proper heating or cooling, dining options don’t match what other high-cost colleges provide, and we’re not getting the modern career skills, entrepreneurial support, or tech training that today’s economy demands.

We’re calling on Union to reinvest in its students — improving living conditions, dining, and career preparation — so that every student benefits from an exceptional experience.

Five Key Student-Driven Initiatives:

❄️ Install Central Air Conditioning and Heating in all Dorms

We pay premium tuition but many dorms remain poorly ventilated, too hot in summer, or too cold in winter. It’s basic comfort — and it’s long overdue.

🤖 Launch an AI Fluency Program for All Students
AI isn’t optional anymore. Every student — regardless of major — should graduate with foundational skills in AI tools, ethical implications, and practical applications.

🚀 Create an Innovation & Startup Center
Union’s $400M+ endowment should support student ventures, not just institutional growth. Let’s build a space where students can prototype, pitch, and receive micro-funding to launch their ideas into the real world.

📊 Offer Certifications in Excel, Tableau & Data Skills
Professional certifications are a huge advantage in today’s job market. Union should offer courses in Excel, data visualization, and project management that lead to real, resume-ready credentials.

🍽️ Upgrade Dining Experience with Better Equipment and Fresher Food
Our dining experience at Union College has struggled under past and current catering services. While Bon Appetit replaced Sodexo, many students still feel the quality and freshness of food fall short—especially given the high cost of attendance.
We’re calling for:

Investment in modern kitchen equipment to enable fresher, healthier meal preparation on campus.

Partnerships with local and regional suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients
Increased transparency and accountability from dining services to ensure meals meet the nutritional and taste standards students deserve
Improving food quality isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for student well-being and success.

 
What We’re Really Saying:
We’re not asking for luxury — we’re asking for value.
Students are facing historic levels of debt. Union must either cut tuition drastically or massively improve what that $90K gets us.
Reallocate part of the endowment or raise donor support specifically for student-centered innovation and quality of life.
 
Add Your Name:
If you agree that $90,000 should buy comfort, skills, support, and opportunity, not just tradition — sign this petition. The time to modernize Union College is now.

Personal Statement:

I’m starting this petition because, like many students at Union College, I want to graduate with the skills and experience that will help me get a good job. In today’s fast-changing world, it’s not enough to just earn a degree — we need real, practical training in technology, data, and entrepreneurship.

At the same time, for such a high comprehensive fee, we deserve a comfortable living environment and quality meals that support our health and focus.

This petition reflects my belief that Union College should invest in its students — not just in prestige, but in the things that truly prepare us for success after graduation.

 
About Me:

I’m a dedicated Union College student committed to making our campus a place where students thrive—academically, socially, and personally. I want to help amplify student voices and push for meaningful changes that reflect our needs and prepare us for the future.