Spring Break
Athletics deserves students' help
State Hornet Staff
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Opinion
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But Wanless' vision comes with a price.
The athletic department is asking students to increase the fees they pay through Associated Students, Inc. If students pass the referendum on the ASI election ballot, student fees for athletics will double over a three-year period, to $125 per semester.
The State Hornet, in a recent editorial and at ASI board meetings, asked that this fee be put to a student referendum.
The Hornet feels that if student fees are going to be increased on campus, students should be involved in the decision-making process.
It's vital for students to get involved with this process, but the Hornet believes the fee increase is ultimately beneficial for the university.
A strong athletics program is essential for Sac State to become a destination campus. This is why the Hornet is supporting the fee increases for the athletic department.
Why do people instantly recognize colleges such as the University of North Carolina, Duke and Arizona? It's because of their stellar athletic programs that help serve as a recruiting tool as well as a source of pride for those who attend.
In an interview with the Hornet, President Alexander Gonzalez said when he speaks with incoming freshmen, one of the first things they always ask him about is our sports programs.
"It has to do with the reputation of the university," Gonzalez said. "Athletics plays an important role in that reputation."
The Hornet understands many of its readers are silently shaking their heads right now as they reel off all the reasons why Sac State doesn't have a storied history of athletic success like any of the colleges previously mentioned.
While the Hornet agrees that we are no North Carolina or University of Florida, we do offer a high-quality athletics program. If you don't believe us, how about Sports Illustrated? The authority on all things sports in America ranked Sac State 36th on its list of top-50 Division I programs in the nation last year.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
joestudent
posted 4/15/09 @ 12:31 AM PST
f--- that, im not going to screw over future students with more fees like I was with the wellness center, or the parking structure just so they can increase more fees saying ah we thought the structure was paid for. (Continued…)
Nate
posted 4/15/09 @ 11:26 AM PST
Be wary of using the term "destination campus" - it's a buzz word that doesn't say much and misses the complexities of what the president wants for the university. (Continued…)
Frank Loret de Mola
posted 4/15/09 @ 12:06 PM PST
Sometimes, I love you guys. Seriously, I was a staff member, and a lot of the senior editors I love. Hell, my brother's on staff!
But othertimes.. (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 4/16/09 @ 3:17 PM PST
I think it is important that students have pride in their school. A successful athletics program is an excellent way to highlight our campus. We can bring value to our degrees by assisting Sac State in gaining positive recognition. (Continued…)
Rolling Thunder
posted 4/16/09 @ 11:04 PM PST
While I agree with your logic as to why the athletics department needs more funds, why is it that the burden to pay for it MUST fall on the students?
No discussion at all about, say, taxing the rich - who are continuing and will continue to live extremely comfortable lives while everyone I know is being buried vertically with crap jobs just to afford the amount required to stay in school. (Continued…)
Lana
posted 4/17/09 @ 9:37 AM PST
While I see the frustration of increasing student fees, this increase seems inevitable. It seems like fees will go up no matter what. We need to decide what to invest in. (Continued…)
Kim
posted 4/18/09 @ 7:04 PM PST
First of all, I think it is pertinent that some clarification be made regarding these numbers. From my understanding the fee increase will only be incurred in the amount of $18 to $22 per semester over a three year period which is only a total of $125 over three years, not per semester. (Continued…)
Doug
posted 4/21/09 @ 8:30 AM PST
All you need to know...
www.jointhegreenarmy.com
J. D. Beedy
posted 4/21/09 @ 9:27 PM PST
I agree that the last thing students need are additional fees. However, the Sacramento State athletic programs are absolutely essential to generating more income and visibility for our campus. (Continued…)
J. D. Beedy
posted 4/21/09 @ 11:57 PM PST
Let me revise my previous statement by adding that I am volunteering through the ComS 187 (issues management and case studies) class.
I just wanted to make sure that everyone viewing this Op-Ed piece understood that there is a website with valuable, accurate information that can be used to better explain Measure I and the impact it will have on both the athletic department and Sacramento State as a whole. (Continued…)
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