UW-Madison students could be grabbing their Amazon packages from Sellery Residence Hall, Memorial Library or the University Bookstore, among other new options, for the corporation’s on-campus pickup point, student leader Omer Arain said Sunday.
The search for a new location follows a push from shared governance groups across campus to nix the site’s original placement in the historic Red Gym, which houses groups like the Multicultural Student Center, Study Abroad Resource Center, Morgridge Center for Public Service and LGBT Campus Center.
Representatives from Amazon mentioned the possible new locations during a meeting last Wednesday with Arain—who serves as chair of the Associated Students of Madison’s Shared Governance Committee—and ASM Chair Carmen Goséy, as well as ASM Outreach Coordinator Matt Wulf and University Committee Chair Amy Wendt.
Arain said although there is no strict timeline to be followed for when the actual location will be chosen, he expects the campus community to be fully involved in the decision—something that did not occur before the initial selection of the Red Gym.
“At this point, I do expect that shared governance groups, and also constituents in wherever [the pickup point] would go, I would imagine are going to be consulted,” Arain said.
The Amazon representatives also reportedly said student employees at the pickup point would be paid the campus minimum wage of $9, something Arain said he would hold the corporation accountable for once the site officially opens.
Arain said he appreciates Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Laurent Heller’s effort in reaching out to shared governance groups on the issue, adding that he will meet with Heller later this week to talk about the next steps.
“He was respectful of shared governance and included us in the process, even if it was after the fact,” Arain said. “He was open to meeting with us. I’m very happy about it.”
