UTRGV President Guy Bailey will address the University of Texas System Board of Regents Academic Affairs Committee at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Austin regarding an increase in the Intercollegiate Athletics Fee to create a football program and expand spirit programs.
At 9 a.m. Thursday, the Board of Regents will consider the committee’s recommendation.
Last November, the student body passed the Athletics Fee Referendum by a vote of 3,497 to 2,287, the largest turnout for a UTRGV election, showing support for the addition of a football program, women’s swimming and diving teams, two marching bands and two spirit programs.
If approved by the Board of Regents, students will have to pay an increase of $11.25 per credit hour, capped at 12 hours, to the Intercollegiate Athletics Fee beginning in Fall 2023. This would increase the Athletics Fee from $15 to $26.25 per credit hour. The maximum charge per semester would be $315.
As previously reported by The Rider, the increase will affect only new incoming students and students outside of UTRGV’s Guaranteed Tuition and Fees program. Current students who remain within the program will not have to pay the increase.
Jonah Goldberg, senior associate athletic director for Communications & Championships, told The Rider a news conference “to update on everything that happened” will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in the Visitors Center on the Edinburg campus.
To watch the Board of Regents meeting live, visit videoportal.utsystem.edu.
