Now that the athletics fee referendum has passed, the next step for UTRGV will be to present it before the UT System board of regents for approval in early 2022.
In an email sent to the campus community last Thursday, referendum results show that about 60.5% of votes were in support of the athletics fee increase, while 39.5% were against.
The increase to the athletics fee would expand the spirit program, establish a football team, women’s diving and swimming teams and marching bands on the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses.
The athletic fee would increase to $11.25 per credit hour, capped at 12 hours.
In a news conference last Thursday held by UTRGV regarding the referendum results, Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque explained that big steps are still necessary before implementing the new programs.
“The next big one will be the UT System board of regents and that’s something that the president and our leadership team will work on.”
Conque also went on to explain the timeline, which aims to expand the spirit programs and implement the women’s swimming and diving teams by Fall 2024. The football team and marching bands would be established by Fall 2025.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey, who also spoke at the news conference, says he believes that the university is financially ready to support these programs.
“We wouldn’t implement this until we thought we had sufficient financial strength and stability to do it without hurting our students…It’s a matter of doing it at the right time.”
Because of UTRGV’s guaranteed tuition and fees plan, Bailey says the athletic fee increase will not apply to current students.
The UTRGV president mentioned more announcements regarding financial assistance for students will be made in the coming weeks.
This is Rodolfo Alvarado for Vaquero Radio
