Spring 2025 Referenda Questions

Referenda Questions Appearing on the 2025 Student Elections Ballot

The following questions will appear on the Student Elections Ballot after meeting the referendum parameters, submission, and ballot design guidelines outlined in the Student Election Rules and Procedures.

Renewable Fee Questions

Title: Krannert Center Fee

Question: "Do you recommend the renewal of the Krannert Center Fee, collected each fall, spring, and summer semester, for up to four years beginning July 1, 2026 and ending no later than June 30, 2030?"

Background: "The Krannert Center fee supports Krannert Center for the Performing Arts programming, including student ticket prices of $10 or less and free events. This Student-initiated fee of $17.29 each fall and spring semester, pro-rated to 50% for summer semester is subject to review by the Student Fee Advisory Committee at least every four years. University administration and the Board of Trustees approve all fees. The next referendum on this fee will be in spring 2029."

ISC-Sponsored Questions

Title: Providing Optometry Services at McKinley Health Center

Question: "Do you approve the increase of $3.00 to the Health Service Fee each semester to support McKinley Health Center providing optometry services such as eye exams, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and treatment for common eye conditions?"

Background: N/A

Title: Referendum Question Regarding the Adoption of a New Mascot

Question: "Should we adopt a mascot to represent the University for use at Illinois Athletic and other relevant events?"

Background: "The University has not utilized a mascot to represent the University at relevant sports and recreational events since 2007. This referendum is proposed to gauge the desire of the student body to adopt a mascot."

Title: Divesting Fossil Fuel Investments from The University of Illinois System Investments

Question: "Should the University of Illinois System remove its fossil fuels investments within 5 years?"

Background: "As of FY 2022 the University of Illinois System has at least $120 million invested in fossil fuels. These investments are responsible for 78% of UI System’s financed emissions and are partially funded by your tuition"

Title: Increasing the HOPE-Fee from $3.50 to $5.50 per semester to support students.

Question: "Should the University of Illinois increase the HOPE- Fee by $2 a semester for the next academic year?"

Background: "This increase will help offset the rising costs of tuition and allow more students to receive adequate funding for their education through the Helping Others' Personal Excellence (HOPE) Scholarship"

Student or Registered Student Organization-Sponsored Questions

Title: UIUC Divestment for Human Rights Referendum

Question: "Shall Students of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommend to the Board of Trustees that the University divest, or withdraw investments, from companies which actively normalize, engage in, or fund recognized human rights violations of marginalized groups worldwide?"

Background: "This referendum directs the UIUC Board of Trustees to divest from corporations involved in human rights abuses, including those affecting Palestinians and marginalized groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender, class, and ability. It calls for reinvestment in socially and ethically responsible companies, ensuring that University funds reflect its commitments to justice, equality, and respect for basic human rights."