University Center

UTSA students pass two of four referendum choices

(Feb. 7, 2003)--A record number of UTSA students voted in this week's referendum and approved two of the four ballot issues endorsed by the Student Government Association (SGA).

With more than 3,100 electronic ballots submitted, students voted to approve a fee increase to support enhanced programs at the Recreation and Wellness Center and a $25 million expansion to the University Center.

"This election is a historical victory for student engagement at UTSA," said Melissa Killen, SGA president. "It also proves that students clearly support enhanced recreation and wellness activities, student programming and an expanded University Center to facilitate student activities."

"The turnout was extraordinary and I am very pleased that so many students took the initiative to vote in this election," said Rosalie Ambrosino, vice president for student affairs. "I look forward to working with students as they plan for these expanded programs and services."

According to Richard Reynolds, executive director of the University Center and Student Leadership Programs, the turnout in this election represents nearly twice the number of students who have ever voted in a previous referendum.

By narrow margins, students did not pass a proposed fee increase to expand transportation infrastructure at the 1604 Campus and the Downtown Campus and a proposal to split the athletics fee from the student services fee, with increases to both new fees.

Funds from these measures would have been used to increase shuttle services, augment athletic programs and increase student programs such as disability services, career services, financial aid, and student success and retention.

"The election to separate the athletics fee from the student services fee was very close, so I recommend that we continue to talk with students and discuss the value of doing so," said Lynn Hickey, athletics director. Ambrosino and Hickey already have agreed to meet with student leaders regarding this part of the referendum.

"One of our next tasks as student government representatives is to meet with our constituents to determine why the other two fee proposals did not pass," Killen said. "Most NCAA Division I universities have separate fees for athletics and student services, and I still believe this would be in the best interest of UTSA students."

She stressed that SGA would meet with students to determine their priorities for expanding athletics and student services, especially in light of the fee proposal that did not pass.

The official vote totals are as follows:

Proposal 1 -- Recreation/Wellness fee increase -- 1,733 yes, 1,363 no;
Proposal 2 -- Split and increase student services/athletics fee -- 1,379 yes, 1,623 no;
Proposal 3 -- University Center expansion fee -- 1,755 yes, 1,207 no; and
Proposal 4 -- Creation of transportation fee -- 1,376 yes, 1,580 no.

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See a chart detailing the proposed fees and more information.

Read more about Student Referendum 2003.

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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003