Today, the UTRGV student body will receive an email with the ballot to vote on the Athletics Fee Referendum between now and 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10.
If approved, the Intercollegiate Athletics Fee will increase by $11.25 per credit hour, capped at 12 hours, and will affect only incoming freshmen and graduate students who return for another degree in Fall 2022 or afterward.
This increase would fund the establishment of a football program, women’s swimming and diving teams, two marching bands and the expansion of the spirit program.
Students, both current and former, expressed their opinions for and against the increase during the SGA town halls where the referendum sponsors presented information and answered questions on the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.
The Rider also spoke with two university faculty members who gave their thoughts on the referendum.
Steven Block, the dean of the College of Fine Arts, clarified that the college is not “hanging on by a thread,” as quoted by graphic and web design senior Juan Almaguer during the Brownsville town hall. Block said he believes the referendum is much more than a question of supporting student fees, and is really a question of supporting growth, culture, campus life and carving out an identity for UTRGV that goes beyond now.
Kip Austin Hinton, Faculty Senate president-elect, told The Rider he has mixed feelings about the referendum and expressed his and other faculty members’ concerns on the issues of safety and finances that come with the addition of a football program.
While these are factors that should be considered when voting for or against the referendum, at the end of the day, it is the student body’s decision.
Not faculty, not staff, not alumni, but the students who are currently enrolled at UTRGV will be the ones to make a decision that will impact the future of the university.
It is important for you, the student body, to be informed about your decision on this matter.
It is also crucial to remember why you chose to attend UTRGV in the first place, as it is an institution that prides itself on affordability and student involvement both on and off campus.
Being part of this university means that there will be various opportunities in which you have a say in what goes on in the community and on campus. This is one of them.
Even if the result is not exactly what you may have voted for, keep in mind that your vote on this “monumental announcement” truly does matter and you should exercise your right.
Voting gives you a chance to make your voice heard and may even give you the courage to speak out about future decisions.
By choosing to vote on the referendum now, and other issues whenever possible, you will continue to influence decisions made by the university.
Voting is your right, and one vote, even if it may seem like a small impact, can make a big difference.
If you do not take action, the decision may be made for you without your say.
Now is the time to let your voice be heard before someone speaks up for you.
