A decision regarding the future of Cole Hall will be reached by May 1, NIU President John Peters said in a speech to the Student Association Senate.

Speaking to the student body during Sunday’s meeting, Peters said he did not know what that decision would be. However, he said he will review the collective opinions of NIU students and faculty as early as next week.

“I’m going to put some options out there. ‘Here’s what was said, here’s what people are thinking, here are some options,’ and then we’re going back to the constituencies for another look,” Peters said.

Peters emphasized the need for having a consensus on the future of Cole Hall because it would allow NIU to “speak with a strong voice” and better secure possible funding from the state. However, Peters conceded that not everyone will agree with the plan.

Sen. Aaron Funfsinn asked Peters if there would be some review of the proposed plan after May 1. Peters said no, saying, “We have to have some sort of idea of what we’re going to do.”

Peters also outlined some of his future plans. He said he will soon be traveling to Springfield to lobby for NIU in appropriation hearings. Peters said NIU’s operating budget is the focus of the visit.

“I’m not going down to talk about Cole Hall,” Peters said. He also added that he normally makes these trips this time of year.

In other SA business, the senate unanimously approved three resolutions to thank the NIU family, the NIU Department of Public Safety and other universities and communities for their support during the aftermath of the Feb. 14 shootings.

The SA Senate also voted down an override of a veto made by SA President Jarvis Purnell. Purnell vetoed an amendment to the SA bylaws relating to paid positions within student organizations and students facing academic or criminal misconduct.

Purnell said the changes were too vague.

“Who is going to enforce it?” Purnell asked. Enforcement was not initially addressed in the changes. Speaker Robert Batey said he will form a committee to rewrite the bill.

Ryan Soucy, a freshman business management major, and freshman marketing major Bobby Barbaglia were appointed to the SA Senate.

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