UTSA students vote in record numbers on fee referendum
(Feb. 4, 2003)--Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio are voting on the Web on a referendum to support four fees crucial to providing ongoing and expanded services to students.
At left, Jeremy Bauman, a San Antonio junior, votes at a computer kiosk in the John Peace Library Building lobby.
Computers are available for voting at kiosks and computer labs across the UTSA campuses.
"It appears that a record number of students are voting in the referendum," said Rosalie Ambrosino, UTSA vice president for student affairs.
"Because voting is online in the Banner system, it is very convenient and makes it easy for students to participate in the process. We are pleased with the participation and encourage students to vote."
"I think it's important to vote," said Karla Santos, a freshman from Eagle Pass. "People start complaining when changes are made, but that's why we have the opportunity to vote -- so we can have a voice in changes that are occurring."
"As we spend more time in the classroom and studying at UTSA, it helps all students if important services are expanded and made more readily available," said Jenny Lutz, a senior majoring in psychology. "This election is crucial for student programming."
The Feb. 3-6 referendum asks students to approve an additional $75-per-semester fee. Fee increases totalling $18 have already been approved for Fall 2003. Students can vote via the Web using their Banner ID, with votes accepted until midnight Feb. 6.
The referendum is necessary for UTSA to meet student services needs at the rapidly growing 1604 and Downtown campuses, where enrollment now exceeds 22,000 students.
If all four areas of the referendum pass, students carrying 12 or more credit hours in the fall would pay approximately $93 more in fees (as compared to Spring 2003 fees), with the exact amount depending on the amount of the transportation fee.
See a chart detailing the proposed fees and more information.
Read details about Student Referendum 2003.
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003