UND Student Senate invests in student resources
On UND’s campus in Grand Forks, the Student Senate voted at its most recent meeting to fund a second Smith machine for the Wellness Center and to roll out Uber ride vouchers for students, according to UND Student Government. The two bills aim to ease peak-time congestion in the weight room and make it easier to get home safely at night, Student Government said.
Students have pushed for more strength stations and safer, low-cost rides in recent months, according to UND Student Government. If you’ve been waiting your turn on the weight floor or budgeting for late-night transportation, these changes are meant to meet you where you are.
Expanding fitness facilities
UND Student Government said senators heard repeated reports of long waits for the campus Smith machine during after-class and evening rushes. A second unit is intended to relieve those bottlenecks, especially when benches and racks fill up on weekdays.
Funding for the equipment will come from student government allocations already set aside for student projects, according to UND Student Government. Installation details and a timeline will be shared by the Wellness Center once a purchase is finalized; check ahead for schedules if you plan workouts around specific machines.
Enhancing transportation safety with Uber vouchers
The approved ride program will provide free or discounted Uber trips for enrolled students during defined hours, with per-ride and per-student caps to stretch funds, according to UND Student Government. The stated goal is to cut down on impaired driving risk and give non-drivers a practical option to get home after late classes, study sessions, or nights out.
Eligibility, redemption steps, and start date will be published by Student Government and university offices before launch, Student Government said. Expect instructions on verifying student status and guidance on pickup areas on and near campus; check ahead for exact hours and any geographic limits.
How the bills moved through Senate
Both measures followed the standard path from introduction to committee discussion and a floor vote, according to UND Student Government. Senators discussed student feedback, cost estimates, and potential partnerships before final approval.
Any amendments made during committee were incorporated prior to the final vote, per Student Government’s account of proceedings. Sponsors will share implementation updates with the Wellness Center and relevant campus offices as details are locked in, Student Government said.
Local impact and community response
Students who frequent the Wellness Center have told senators that peak-hour access to controlled-movement equipment is a high priority, according to UND Student Government. For many, a second Smith machine means shorter waits and more reliable training windows between classes, labs, and practices.
Campus safety advocates have long encouraged pre-planned rides and sober transportation, and Student Government said the voucher program is designed to complement those messages. If you live off University Avenue or work late in a downtown shift, predictable help paying for a ride could make the difference between staying late and getting home on time.
What you can do right now
- Watch UND Student Government channels for the voucher launch date, eligibility rules, and a how-to guide, according to UND Student Government.
- If you lift at peak times, check the Wellness Center’s announcements for the Smith machine installation timeline and any temporary floor changes.
- Keep your UND ID and app credentials handy; programs like these typically require enrollment verification, according to Student Government.
- If you manage a student org, consider sharing the ride-voucher details in your group chats once the program goes live.
What to Watch
Look for the Wellness Center to post an installation window and any short-term closures around the weight floor once the purchase is scheduled. Student Government said it will announce voucher rules, hours, and funding caps before the first phase launches. We’ll update when dates and how-to links are published by UND Student Government or the Wellness Center.
