Athletic Fee Passes in TAMIU Student Vote

A proposed Athletics Fee at Texas A&M International University has passed in an online student vote held March 6 – 8.

Some 543 currently enrolled students cast votes for the new fee, which could not go forward without majority approval.  Those in favor of the fee numbered 274, while those opposed numbered 269.  Some 484 undergraduate students cast votes, while 59 graduate students voted.

The fee’s actual implementation remains contingent on legislation being passed to allow the fee to be charged. If passed by the 80th Legislature, the fee will begin Fall 2007.

The fee will be $5 per semester credit hour. It will cap at 15 hours during both the Fall and Spring semesters and at nine hours for Summer Sessions.

It will assist the University in its move from the NAIA Athletic Conference to NCAA Division II.  The move to NCAA requires additional funding levels for student scholarships and the athletics program to meet NCAA, Division II requirements.

José García, vice president for finance and administration, provided additional information about the fee and its passage.

“This fee revenue will support our entry into the NCAA Division I, funding larger portions of the growing athletics program while also increasing athletics scholarships.  We appreciate so many students voting and approving this fee that we believe will do much to advance our athletics program,” Garcia said.

Open forums on the proposed fee increase were held Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 20, 2007.

For additional information on the fee, please contact García at 326.2380. University office hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu