A student effort to build a new Multicultural Resource Center at Kansas University is a step closer to becoming a reality.

Provost David Shulenburger late last week appointed a building committee to work on the project, with hopes of having a building plan by March 1.

“This is great news for the students and KU,” said Catherine Bell, student body vice president. “This is one more example of a student initiative that will make a great and positive change to the university.”

Advocates for a new center have said the current facility — near the Military Science Building — was too small and had inadequate climate control.

Formed in 1991, the center sponsors diversity training and events to encourage understanding and tolerance of various cultures on campus.

If all goes as planned, the new building could open by the end of 2005.

The project was one of the main goals set by Jonathan Ng, KU student body president during the 2002-2003 school year.

Richard Johnson, dean of students and chairman of the building committee, said officials still were raising money for the project, which is expected to cost between $2.5 million and $3 million.

Student Senate has approved a $3.50-per-semester student fee, which is expected to raise about $1 million for the project. Officials with the KU Endowment Association have said a donor tentatively pledged $1 million for the project.

Plans call for an addition on the north side of the Kansas Union that would connect with the union’s fourth floor.

“We’re looking at what space is needed and how do we need to configure it,” Johnson said. “I think the need is for a resource for the entire university community. It needs to be in a place where more people can access it for programming and educational purposes. It won’t just be for students of color. It will be for the entire university community.”