In a huge victory for UCSD athletics, student voters approved a fee referendum that will raise student fees in order to provide a permanent source of revenue for school sports.
Guardian
Voters approved the referendum by a three-to-one margin. It passed 3,038 to 1,303.
Athletics Director Earl W. Edwards was overjoyed at the election results.
“”This is a statement that students really do care about athletics,”” Edwards said. “”We can now plan for the future and continue with excellence in athletics.””
Newly elected A.S. Commissioner of Athletics Robin Shelton expressed similar sentiments.
“”I can’t help but feel excited,”” he said. “”This shows the student spirit and pride in athletics.””
The fee increase will take effect in fall 2002, raising student fees by $28.25 per quarter, per student. Most of the new moneys will go to maintaining the current number of National Collegiate Athletic Association teams and their level of competition.
A small portion will also go to supporting club sports and campus recreation.
UCSD currently sports 23 intercollegiate teams, 12 for men and 11 for women. All the teams compete in the NCAA’s Division II. Proponents feared that if the referendum did not pass, teams would have to be cut due to budget shortfalls.
The athletics program currently relies on a temporary source of funding to help with the transition to Division II. The referendum is expected to create a stable financial foundation for athletics.
The referendum was designed by a large committee of students that included athletes, student politicians and students at large.
“”I haven’t ever been more proud of this school,”” said Catherine Nolan, a member of the committee that designed the referendum and the track and field team.
“”This is a school that respects athletics,”” she said.
