The current athletics fee of $20 per credit hour has been in place since 2016. However, a new athletics fee is being proposed to help elevate the university’s brand and enhance the student pre-game and game day experience.
An online student referendum to vote on the increase will take place on April 30 and May 1. If the referendum passes, the athletics fee will increase by $1 each year for five years, to $21 per credit hour in 2026 and reaching $25 per credit hour in 2030.
“The value of a degree from Sam Houston State University continues to rise when we invest in our campus and programs,” Amanda Withers, Chief Financial Officer at SHSU, stated in a university press. “This fee increase, though modest, will have a lasting impact on our university’s reputation and the student experience for years to come.”
The original athletics fee was put in place for a few different reasons. Although not every student is directly involved with the athletics program at SHSU, the program is a big deal for almost everyone on campus, including students and faculty alike, so the fee originally aimed to help provide a better experience for both athletes and spectators.
According to the official press release, the new funding will focus on three key areas.
Elevate the Brand of the University
This area focuses on making sure the school has a strong and recognizable university brand and reputation, which includes attracting top-tier faculty and staff, and making sure students graduate from a respected institution, helping them stand out in the job market.
Enhance the Student Pre-Game and Game Day Experience
As mentioned before, the athletic program is a big part of the culture at SHSU, so creating an environment where both athletes and supporters can thrive is critical. This area focuses on the additional funding that will support improvements to activities tied to school spirit and community engagement, such as tailgates and themed sporting events.
Maintain Competitive Collegiate Athletics
Finally, this area focuses on helping fund resources for student-athlete support. School athletics not only contributes to the campus culture and community, but it also boosts school pride, offering networking and career development opportunities for all students.
The referendum will be held online, ensuring that all students can participate and cast their votes on this important decision.
“This referendum is an opportunity for students to directly influence the future of our university,” stated Dannie Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs at SHSU. “We’re excited to offer a platform that lets students have their voices heard and make a difference in shaping our campus.”
Students can visit shsu.edu/athletics/ for more information on the referendum.
