Proposed Fee

A: The proposed fee is needed now to establish a stable and predictable source of funding for Athletics—one that is not tied to fluctuations in state budget allocations. Current funding has not kept pace with the rising costs of supporting student-athletes, maintaining facilities, and enhancing the overall student experience. Without additional resources, we risk falling behind peer institutions in providing the level of support our students deserve.

Other universities have already recognized this need and acted accordingly. Fresno State, Sacramento State, Clemson, and the University of Louisville are among the institutions that have recently implemented similar fees to ensure their athletics programs remain competitive and well-supported.

Implementing this fee now will allow SDSU to stay ahead of rising costs, safeguard the quality of its athletics programs, and continue building school spirit and pride across campus.

A: If the fee does not pass, the university will face significant challenges in sustaining and enhancing the athletics experience for students and student-athletes. Without a stable funding source, programs will continue to rely heavily on limited and unpredictable state allocations, which have not kept pace with rising costs.

As a result:

• Student-athlete support services may remain underfunded or unable to expand.
• Facilities will be harder to maintain and upgrade, and may pose safety risks leading to an inferior experience compared to peer institutions.
• Student engagement opportunities such as spirit events, giveaways, and affordable game access could be reduced.
• Competitiveness of SDSU’s athletics programs could decline, putting the university at a disadvantage compared to schools that have already invested through student fees.

A: No. These costs are funded by revenues generated from stadium events (Soccer, concerts, etc.), Sponsorships (Snapdragon, Toyota, etc.), Capital and Philanthropic gifts.

A: No. IRA fees are not allowed to be used for NIL/Revenue Sharing.

A: No. These costs will be funded by self-generated revenue and donor support.

A: Direct comparisons between campuses can be challenging, as athletics programs are funded in different ways across the CSU system. Some campuses support athletics through Student Success Fees, others through Student Body Fees, and some through a dedicated athletics fee.

A: The IRA fee is a mandatory student fee, and would factor into students’ total cost of education and impacts on estimated family contribution. Therefore, financial aid (including grants and loans) can be used to cover increases in these mandatory fees.

A: HEPI is the Higher Education Price Index, and it is similar to the Consumer Price Index.  It is published annually by an organization called CommonFund.

A: The alternative consultation process is used for complex issues that benefit from a presentation outlining the breadth of services provided and the impact on students. More specifically, the President determined that an in-depth alternative consultation process, inclusive of educating and engaging in dialogue with students through offering a series of open forums, and by soliciting student opinion via an open feedback form, will provide the best measure of meaningful, informed student opinion on whether to recommend approval of the proposed fee. Such meaningful, informed student consultation is critical for this proposal given the complex, dynamic student needs and student advocacy in the areas of information technology and sustainability.

A: A Division 1 Athletic program adds to the national stature and reputation of a university. The recognition the university receives from its sports programs translates directly into alumni and donor support for the university. It boosts student spirit and engenders a greater sense of community on campus.  It could be argued that the degree that SDSU’s reputation is enhanced through extensive local and national exposure enhances the value of each graduate’s degree.

A: The fee would allow for fields and facilities to be maintained on a regular schedule.