Athletic Fee ResultsFor: 213Against: 447
Rec Sports Fee ResultsFor: 221Against: 440
Source: Albert Chavez, One-Card Office——Students had a lot say about the atheletic and recreational sports fee prior to voting. Some saw the advantages of increasing fees while others opjected to the proposal.”You can only raise fees so much before they notice they’re paying for things they don’t use,” stated Ray Cantu, a freshman majoring in criminal justice. “They can’t raise the fee just for maintenance. They should look for other ways to obtain the money.”Yesenia Rodriguez, who was accompanying Cantu, had the same sentiment. “I agree. Yes, they’ll need new equipment for sports and the rec room, but we have to ask ourselves, what is the true purpose?”Some students, on the other hand, view the proposed increase as a positive opportunity.”As the university moves forward to better our education, programs, and facilities, it is important we support each other as a family,” said Karina Elizondo, a political science major. “As a former soccer player, I believe that students should support the proposed athletic fee increase because it is a win-win situation for both athletes and non-athletic students.” Elizondo explained how the upgrade will bring prestige and recognition for the university.But not all students feel the same way. One student explained the hardships associated with the increase in tuition.”It’s hard for students that work, study, and have to save up for school,” stated Regina Tavizon, a senior majoring in psychology. “As it is, tuition is going up every year. We don’t have much control over it; it’s going to increase anyway.” Tavizon mentioned that she hardly saw anything posted around campus to inform students about the possible increase. She said students need to be aware in order to do something about such changes.Other students shared the same feeling about the fees and their inability to change things.”I’m mad, but there’s not much I can do about it,” said Roman Skopal, a graduate management student. “I think it’s bad because they raised it by five dollars last year.”Another student, who requested to remain anonymous, said, “We should have a great university with teams and gyms, but I feel TAMIU should remain affordable because it’s a commuter school. I believe this type of university should be aimed at studies, not athletics, sports, or student life. We should have those things, but we should keep it at a minimum and not at the expense of the students.”Some other students feel the university is paying too much attention to athletics and not enough on academics.”Instead of focusing on education, we’re focusing on sports, which is wrong by my stand,” stated Rodolfo Guevara, a graduate student.”A good athletic program is not the only way for a university to get recognized,” said Marta Cisneros, an English major. “Let’s concentrate on improving our academic programs, and I guarantee you TAMIU will distinguish itself.”What do you think about the increase? Contact The Bridge at bridgeeditor@tamiu.edu or call us 956.326.2472.