Student Fee Advisory Committee

(View PDF version of Meeting Minutes)

Attendees: Rosalinda Garcia, Fred Juarez, Dr. Cindy Salazar-Collier, Christa Elizondo, Adalberto “Beto” Gonzalez, Jesus “Conrad” Galaviz, Adriana Anderson, Andye Rodriguez, Santiago Garcia Rosales

Other Attendees: Roberto Garza III, Patricia Ruiz

Student Attendee: Aaron Cerezo-Hernandez, Angel Mendoza

Welcome

Ms. Garcia welcomed committee members and student attendees to the meeting.

Recap – Meeting Held September 17, 2025

Ms. Garcia presented a summary of the committee’s last meeting which included the following highlights:

• The discussion focused on a possible increase of the REC Center fee.
• Because the proposed increase in the REC Center fee is more than 10% – the committee decided to proceed with a referendum, which is required.
• The current REC Center fee has been in effect since 2014 and the proposed increase of $17 is due to the significant increases in the center’s operational costs – including but not limited to the cleaning of the equipment and center areas, maintenance/rotation of equipment, and the center’s student workers’ salaries.
• The center is open approximately 85 hours per week and employs an estimated 75 student workers who assist with daily operations. The wage increase for student workers implemented about 2 years ago is a contributing factor in the REC Center’s overall operational expenses.

Today’s Agenda

Ms. Garcia advised today’s meeting would include an overview of the REC Center’s specific expenses and an assessment of whether the center’s $17 fee increase is sufficient to address its current operational costs and those of future projects such as additional space for e-sports and other construction initiatives to benefit the TAMIU community. Ms. Garcia noted TAMIU is identified as an affordable university and the proposed increase to $99 (current fee of $82 + $17 increase) maintains our goal to not exceed $100.

Referendum vs 10% Fee Increase

Mr. Galaviz asked if a 10% increase can be approved in the year immediately following an increase in fees. Ms. Garcia responded that although this action was not presented at the last meeting or being considered, she would request clarification on this question. Ms. Garcia added – as mentioned at the last meeting – a 10% fee increase could be approved without a student vote should the committee not decide to proceed with a referendum.

Later in the meeting, Ms. Garcia confirmed that the university could raise the REC Center fee by another 10% next year but reiterated that this has never been discussed or considered. Ms. Garcia stated while the university has had the ability to raise fees – the administration does not wish to do so without the students being informed.

Overview – REC Center Expenses and Funding Allocation From 2014 Fee Increase

Mr. Juarez gave an overview of the estimated costs for each of the projects the Rec hopes to undertake, which is driving the proposed fee increase. They are as follows:

Mr. Juarez emphasized that these are estimates. The total costs are not expected to be less than this amount, but there’s a possibility the exact cost could be higher.

Regarding proposed projects for furniture and construction, Mr. Juarez outlined the following costs:

Mr. Juarez advised additional costs for plumbing and electrical services also need to be considered, but these expenses cannot readily be determined at this time.

Mr. Juarez referenced the grant received by the REC Center for approximately $41,000, which has been used to pay for the center’s cost increases and advised this grant is scheduled to end in August 2026. Mr. Juarez explained the management of the center’s expenses requires the department to carry out cost-saving measures when addressing increases in costs such as the projected increase from 30% to 35% this fiscal year and cited a reduction in the center’s operation/maintenance budget as an example. Mr. Juarez also noted the REC Center’s 20-year “mortgage” annual payment of $275,000 for the center’s renovation and expansion of which will be paid off in 2037-2038.

Mr. Garza explained the purpose of the referendum passed in 2014-2015 (date of last fee increase) was to expand the center’s weight room, designate 2 fitness rooms upstairs, create an outdoor complex, and add 2 restrooms. Mr. Garza stated these projects allowed the department to enhance its management and coordination of fitness training and education classes and introduce additional activities to better serve the center’s customers.

Committee Discussion/Questions

• Proposed $17 REC Center Fee Increase: Ms. Garcia advised the committee – as presented at its last meeting – the proposed $17 fee increase would result in approximately $255,000 in added annual revenue however, this is still not enough funding to consider additional projects such as the expansion of e-sports. Ms. Garcia emphasized however the university is committed to help cover the necessary costs for the communal space reno. Ms. Garcia stated in consideration of last week’s meeting, Mr. Juarez and Mr. Garza did not have sufficient time to outline the expense priorities in their entirety, however the information presented in today’s meeting provides a comprehensive overview of the funding urgently needed at this time.
• Current Center Fee Programming: The committee discussed the center’s current training/fitness programming, e-sports activities, the funding needed to maintain these services, and how to address the funds needed to expand the center’s services.
• Proposed $13 REC Center Fee Increase: Mr. Galaviz suggested a fee increase of $13 to propose a more agreeable amount to students.
• Grant Funding: Mr. Garza clarified the grant currently used to help fund the center’s costs was received from an external source and the term of this grant cannot be changed – the department would need to submit a new proposal.

Action Items

• Decision on REC Center Fee Increase: The committee members discussed the 2 proposed fee increases of $13 vs $17 and the benefits each dollar increase amount would provide. A vote was taken to decide on the amount of the fee increase. Committee members voted as follows: Mr. Juarez: $17; Dr. Salazar-Collier: $17; Ms. Eilizondo: $17; Mr. Gonzalez: $17; Ms. Anderson: $17; Mr. Rodriguez: $17; Mr. Galaviz: $13; Mr. Garcia Rosales: $17. Ms. Garcia recused herself. A consensus of a $17 fee increase was decided as the best option.
• REC Fee Referendum Forums: Ms. Garcia advised the committee several forums would be scheduled to present the REC Fee Referendum to students prior to voting on this proposed increase.