In response to recent cuts in athletics funding at UCSD, the A.S. Council unanimously endorsed a resolution on March 5 calling upon administration to make athletics a higher budget priority.
The athletics department and other UCSD student services are facing a $200,000 reduction in funds as a result of Gov. Gray Davis’ January proposal for the 2003-04 budget. Davis’ proposal slashed $25.3 million in student services funding from the University of California’s budget.
The Office of Student Affairs allocated the student service cutbacks at UCSD, reducing funding for particular programs and services by various degrees. The cut to athletics represents about 20 percent of its initial registration fee funding allocation, one of the largest cutbacks imposed by the OSA, according to Director of Athletics Earl W. Edwards.
The Resolution In Support of Intercollegiate Athletics and Intercollegiate Athletics Funding, submitted by A.S. Commissioner of Athletics Robin Shelton, states that “”budget cuts placed upon the Intercollegiate Athletics Department were unfair and inconsistent with student opinions.”” The resolution maintains that athletics encourage campus spirit, unity and pride — aims that students have historically supported.
The resolution cites recommendations made this year by the Student Life Assessment Committee that urge campus affiliates to “”build community … improve campus services to all students … and develop and fund programs and new initiatives that build campus unity, pride and spirit.”” The passage of an athletics referendum during the 2002-03 school year by students is also cited as evidence that students support growth in athletics.
The resolution also addresses a general lack of financial support for athletics that has “”made it nearly impossible [for the department] to develop a decisive and strategic plan for long term goals.””
“”There’s been a continuing pattern of financial uncertainty for the athletic department,”” Shelton said. “”This is unacceptable, given that student life quality is so poor on campus and that students have expressed desire for ways to raise school spirit.””
Edwards welcomed student support for the athletic department.
“”Any support from students to maintain our current financial level is appreciated,”” Edwards said.
The A.S. resolution further resolves that “”student opinions should be taken into consideration when substantial changes are made that will detract from campus life,”” and that “”UCSD students and administration need to be in stronger support of intercollegiate athletics and spirit on campus.””
The UCSD Athletics Department houses 23 teams and about 600 student-athletes. UCSD placed fourth and third, respectively, in Sears Director’s Cup standings over its first two years in Division II.